Today’s Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 36:1-4; 2 Kings 23:31-37; 2 Chronicles 36:5; Jeremiah 22:1-23; Jeremiah 26:1-24; 2 Kings 24:1-4; Jeremiah 25:1-14
I typed the words “leadership books” in my Google© search box and there were 318,000,000 links found! Let’s us say that in the 21st century there is no shortage of information on leadership.
In 609 B.C., kings were looked upon as gods by their subjects. They did not become a king because of their great leadership skills; it was all about the bloodline. But God had expectations of His kings. As God’s shepherd, the king was expected to nurture the flock, not to destroy it. King Josiah was a good shepherd who did what was right and just while defending the poor and needy. However, Jehoiakim inherited none of his father Josiah’s godly traits. He cared only for dishonest gain, bloodshed, oppression, and extortion. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures)
In Jeremiah 22, the LORD through Jeremiah clarified His leaders’ job description by contrasting a good leader and a bad leader.
But a beautiful cedar palace does not make a great king! Your father, Josiah, also had plenty to eat and drink. But he was just and right in all his dealings. That is why God blessed him.
He gave justice and help to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him.
Isn’t that what it means to know me?” says the Lord. –Jeremiah 22:15-16
God blesses leaders who…
-
Are just and right in all their dealings
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Give justice
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Help the poor and needy
Is this the norm today–leaders who are just and right; leaders who make helping the poor and needy a high priority?
I know many leaders who are leading like Josiah, but there are many more that aren’t.
What is the difference?
The LORD answered my question with a question:
Isn’t that what it means to know me?
The Hebrew word for “know” is this verse is da’ath, which means discernment, understanding and wisdom. (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible)
So basically the LORD is saying that if we have His discernment, understanding, and wisdom we will be a great leader and our actions will reflect our knowledge of Him.
It’s very easy to read these verses and point our fingers at everyone from our spouse to the president and say—YOU NEED TO BE THIS KIND OF LEADER!
Pointing fingers at others is not what a daily devotional Bible study is about; it’s about YOU and ME. What are WE going to do with God’s expectations of leaders?
You may be thinking, “I’m not a leader and I don’t want to be a leader!”
While everyone is not called to lead a team, company,country or Bible Study; all Christians are called to lead. Our reason for being is to know Christ and cause others to know Him. We do that by leading others to the Lord through our influence (the action or process of producing effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of another or others)
Leadership is influence.
Every day
You
Influence
Some one.
Are you—
• Just and right in all your dealings?
• A person who gives justice?
• A person who helps the poor and needy?
–The LORD says this is what it means to know me.
Dear Lord, we want to be Your Leader. Jesus, give us your discernment and wisdom to lead like you!
In Jesus Name. Amen and Amen!
© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 25:15-38, Jeremiah 36:1-32; Jeremiah 45:1 through Jeremiah 46:28
Great, thought provoking post this morning.