It is possible for a leader to have most areas of their leadership life squared away, be successful in virtually everything they touch and still have one area continually out of control. Wise leaders understand that even allowing one area to be out of control will influence their legacy. Read 2 Chronicles 17-20.

King Jehoshaphat was 35 years old when he became king of Judah and reigned in Jerusalem for 25 years. For the most part Jehoshaphat was an outstanding godly leader. Second Chronicles tells us that Jehoshaphat sought the Lord in virtually all areas of his life, had great wealth and honor, became more and more powerful and even the arch enemy of Judah, the Philistines, brought Jehoshaphat gifts and were at peace with him. Read more »

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. Read more »

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. Read more »

Given a choice, most leaders would choose to be effective and have a positive legacy rather than be ineffective and leave a reputation of poor performance. A positive legacy is possible for every leader if they remain humble and teachable. Read 2 Kings 22.

Josiah became king of Judah at age eight, following the murder of his father (2 Kings 21:23-26). Yet, unlike his father, the Bible says Josiah “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or the left.” Read more »

Leaders can set dynamics in motion, both positive and negative, that continue to influence the world long after they are gone. Read 2 Kings 21:1-9.

Hezekiah prayed to God while he was on his death bed and received an extra 15 years of life. Prior to this life extension the Bible gives only a glowing report of Hezekiah’s actions. It was during these 15 years that Hezekiah became prideful and had to be rebuked by God through the prophet Isaiah. It was also during those 15 years a son named Manasseh was born. At Hezekiah’s death, Manasseh became king of Judah. Manasseh was 12 years old when he became king and he ruled in Jerusalem over the nation of Judah for 55 years. Read more »