They (whoever they are) say that confession is good for the soul. So, let me confess – I have been behind (a lot) in my Bible reading! So behind, that I had all but given up! But with a little encouragement from a fellow behind Bible reader – I decided to make a fresh start May 1. I gave up “catching up” and just started with the readings for May. We are 11 days into May – and I am happy to say, I have read every day thus far! I share that so you will know – even pastors are human! I share as a word of encouragement. You, too, can begin again. Just start with today’s date – and start reading! After all, God is full of grace and forgiveness and is really, really good at helping us “start over!”
In 11 days, we have finished the book of Second Kings. These chapters are filled with account after account of kings who “did what was evil in the Lord’s eyes.” In fact, I don’t know about you, but I found myself wanting to hurry and read so that I could get to the next king, hoping that the next one would do things differently – that the next king would be not only a good leader but also a faithful leader. As you know, those kinds of kings were few and far between. We could count on one hand the kings who “did what was right in the Lord’s eyes.” I found hope and encouragement whenever I came across those words!
So, what is the take-away from Second Kings? For me, it was a reminder – about the privilege and responsibility of leadership. I have heard leadership defined as influence. If that is the case, then we are all leaders - leaders in our homes; leaders in the workplace; leaders at school; leaders in our communities; leaders among our friends.
I found it very telling that the spiritual condition of the kings had a direct implication on the Israelites. The condition of their hearts in relationship to God directly influenced the ways they led and it brought great harm to their people. I believe that leadership (especially in the church) begins with a heart that is fully devoted to God. If we lead from a right relationship with God, then I believe that God will enable us and empower us to use our influence in meaningful and life-giving ways. And when our days are done – people will say of us – they sought to do what was “right in the Lord’s eyes.” - Rev. Wendy Cordova, pastor of Evangelism and Lay Leadership
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