2 Kings says it all!

The book of 2 Kings is full of the successes and failures of the many leaders of Israel.

As these men live out their lives, it’s almost frustrating to see them make the same mistakes time after time. One leader has a moral failure which causes the people of Israel heartache.  Then a couple of generations down the line, the same mistake takes place again.

There seems to be this constant mix of good leaders and bad leaders and I’m left wondering, “How does God put up with these people?“

Fortunately, we find the answer in one small verse, found in 2 Kings 14.

“The LORD had seen how bitterly everyone in Israel, whether slave or free, was suffering; there was no one to help them. And since the LORD had not said he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, he saved them…”  (14:26-27)

That’s when it hit me. God’s love for His people and promise of their salvation surpasses all the poor decisions made by leadership.  God issued a covenant with Israel in the beginning and He will keep His word.

So, what does that mean for us today?  In the church today, we also have this mixed bag of good and bad leaders.  For me, as a leader looking at his own heart, I must admit that I’m just a mixed bag of good and bad as well.

This is really a message for all leaders.  Depending on the situation, the stress, the lack of time and resources (or the wealth of time and resources for that matter).  We all have those times where our flesh overtakes our better judgment.  Soon enough, we fall.

Walter C. Wright

This weekend, I attended a conference facilitated by Walter C. Wright, author of “Relational Leadership“, “Mentoring” and “Don’t Step on the Rope“.

At this conference, Dr. Wright discussed a concept that has challenged me for the past three days and very pertinent to this morning’s reading.

“Leadership requires followers — someone who chooses to be influenced.  Leaders cannot lead unless followers choose to follow.” (Walter C. Wright, Jr.)

Leaders, we have so many people depending on us.

As we lead, it may not always seem like we’re experiencing forward momentum. Regardless, we have been given a promise that we are definitely moving forward.  We must focus on that promise and continue our leadership.

The book of Revelation points to an end, where we will eventually be perfected and Christ shall have His eternal reign.  Until then, may we live with integrity, lead well and serve God’s people.