It seems a little dramatic but there are times when God blesses a leader to bless an entire nation. Read 2 Chronicles 9:1-23.

John Maxwell discusses the extended blessing of an individual to a nation in his leadership notes in The Maxwell Leadership Bible.

Before he careened off course in his later years, Solomon began to fulfill God’s dream of blessing the nations through the nation of Israel. When leaders from the surrounding countries heard of his great wisdom, they hopped aboard their camels and made the long trek to Jerusalem to see whether the reports could be trusted. The Queen of Sheba spoke for these wide-eyed visitors when she said, “Blessed be the Lord your God, who delighted in you, setting you on His throne to be king for the Lord your God!”

One lesson that Christian leaders seem to learn and forget, learn and forget is that God’s rewards are based on faithfulness to Him rather than abilities or achievements. Read 2 Chronicles 7:11-22.

The Bible indicates God established and endorses the principle of giving rewards for good work unless it replaces God as our passion for life. In today’s Scripture God promises rewards to the nation for obedience but punishment for disobedience. The Lord stresses that His commitment is not to the newly-built temple, but to His people and their relationship to Him.

We serve a God that is committed to excellence and perfection in everything He does. Likewise, godly leaders should work with all their heart and give their best effort all of the time. Read 2 Chronicles 2-6.

Solomon saw to it that the design and construction of the temple was done with care and excellence. He knew that his mission was to glorify God in the construction of this building, and he shared his father David’s vision and passion for the task.

What a leader accomplishes is determined by their priorities. This is true of what you accomplish today because you will put your efforts to the items you determine are more important and it is true of life accomplishments because you will focus your energy on those life goals you determine are important. Read 2 Chronicles 1:1-12.

Solomon has become king of Israel, replacing his father David. The nation’s expectations were high. God’s blessings had been given to David. David had been a leader of the stature of Abraham and Moses, and the country and the people had benefited greatly from David’s leadership. Solomon’s life priorities would determine his first acts as king.

As we enter the study of some specific leadership principles tucked away in 2 Chronicles, it is helpful to get an overview of the book. This being the fourth book (1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles) detailing the actions of many of the same individuals, it is helpful for understanding the leadership lessons to know the major theme God is seeking to communicate in the book. John Maxwell in The Maxwell Leadership Bible gives summary notes at the beginning of the book that are very helpful.

Summary

If 2 Chronicles develops one major theme or offers one major lesson, it is this: Leaders need to finish well.