Understanding Josiah’s Blueprint for Leadership – Part 1

2 Kings chronicles the rise and fall of leaders. The book reads like a seesaw of royalty, with some kings doing “evil in the eyes of the Lord” and others doing “what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” However, chapters 22 and 23 introduce us to a king who truly raises the bar. Josiah’s Six Steps to Leadership provide a timeless framework for effective leadership.

King Josiah was a ruler who not only did “what was right in the eyes of the Lord” but also walked “in all the ways of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left”.

2 Kings 22:2, ESV

Reflecting on King Josiah’s steps, it becomes clear that his actions provide an outline for leadership today. In these chapters, we see six steps that shaped King Josiah’s reign—steps that all leaders should take note of. These six steps are crucial for understanding effective leadership.

Step 1: Vision

Josiah’s Vision for Leadership – 2 Kings 22:3-7

King Josiah had the desire and inner calling to repair the Temple. Little did he know that this calling would lead to a significant movement among God’s people.

Often, a revival or a movement back to God begins with one person who is given a vision for a ministry-related project or plan. This vision becomes a catalyst for change.

“And they gave the money that was brought into the house of the Lord to the workmen who were overseeing the house of the Lord.”

2 Kings 22:5, ESV

Step 2: Repentance

Repentance as a Leadership Step – 2 Kings 22:11-13

King Josiah hears the Word and repents personally before addressing his people. If we, as leaders, feel called to lead God’s people into a significant project or plan, we should first seek God’s Word and humbly repent.

It’s important to note God’s response to King Josiah’s authentic repentance later in the chapter (2 Kings 22:19). While the vision may come from God, our concentration on His Word and our repentance move Him to bless that vision.

“Because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the Lord… I also have heard you, declares the Lord.”

2 Kings 22:19, ESV

Step 3: Communication

Effective Communication in Leadership – 2 Kings 23:1-2

Before King Josiah starts assigning tasks for his vision, he gathers the people to communicate what the Lord has taught him and to renew his commitment to God’s Word publicly.

Often, we neglect this vital step! We become so focused on what is about to take shape that we forget to communicate our commitment to God’s Word before presenting our vision for the project or plan.

As leaders, we must be open and transparent. We should share our hearts and our commitment to God before initiating processes and procedures.

“And the king went up to the house of the Lord, and with him all the men of Judah… And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant.”

2 Kings 23:2, ESV

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

1. How do you incorporate vision into your leadership?
2. When have you experienced the importance of repentance in your leadership journey?
3. How do you ensure effective communication before initiating new projects?