Day 110 - 2 Kings 11-14

ONE-YEAR JOURNEY OF THE BIBLE
Day 110 - 2 Kings 11-14 (Courageous Leadership)
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"In the seventh year Jehoiada sent and brought the captains of hundreds--of the bodyguards and the escorts--and brought them into the house of the LORD to him. And he made a covenant with them and took an oath from them in the house of the LORD, and showed them the king's son.  Then he commanded them, saying, "This is what you shall do:...Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD, the king, and the people, that they should be the LORD's people, and also between the king and the people."  (2 Kings 11:4-5,17)

Out of all the sermons, books and articles about leadership that I have listened to and read throughout the years, I don't remember the name Johoiada mentioned as one of the great leaders in the Bible.  After reading our Scripture passage for today, however, I would place Jehoiada the priest as among the top leaders in the Bible.

When Ahaziah king of Judah died, his mother Athaliah murdered all the royal heirs so she could rule the kingdom.  Unbeknown to her, one infant son of Ahaziah named Joash was hidden by his aunt in the temple under the protection of Jehoiada the priest.  This is the setting we find our text above and we read that in when Joash was seven years old, Jehoiada made his daring move against the wicked queen and at great risk of his own life in showing the prince to the trusted officers of the army. 

The plan worked flawlessly with the help of God and Athaliah was killed along with those aligned with her including the priest of Baal.  Jehoiada also commanded the people to destroy the temple of Baal.  Knowing that it wasn't enough to crown Joash as king Jehoiada "made a covenant between the LORD, the king, and the people, that they should be the LORD's people, and also between the king and the people." (2 Kings 11:17)

The Bible records that Jehoiada showed his strength as a leader throughout his life until he died at the old age of 130 years as evidenced in his tremendous influence in the life of king Joash.  Unfortunately, after Jehoiada died, Joash departed from the Lord: 

       "Joash did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest... But Jehoiada           grew old and was full of days, and he died; he was one hundred and thirty years old when he died.           And they buried him in the City of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both           toward God and His house.  Now after the death of Jehoiada the leaders of Judah came and bowed             down to the king. And the king listened to them.  Therefore they left the house of the LORD God of             their fathers, and served wooden images and idols; and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem                 because of their trespass." (2 Chronicles 24:2,15-18)

What our nation and all the other nations need today is more Jehoiadas who is able to influence the movers of the world in doing what is right in the eyes of God.  I thank and praise God for Billy Graham who is respected and considered as the spiritual leader by several presidents of America as well as many world leaders.  As Billy awaits his home-coming in heaven, I pray God will raise up not just one but many to take on his mantle of spiritual leadership and ministry to the leaders of this world.

As much as this world needs the Jehoiadas of today, families and churches need them jjust as much.  Fathers and husbands must step up to their sacred calling as courageous leaders of their homes if they want to see their children do the right thing before God.  Pastors and church leaders must not be afraid to speak out the truth of God's Word if they want to see their congregants follow Christ as His disciples.

"O God, may you raise up for yourself courageous leaders who will influence others to follow you.  Help me to be a leader like Jehoiada in my own home and church and even in my community."