Leadership is not only a privilege but also a responsibility. In Scripture, leaders are given influence as stewards to manage the resources that are owned by the Lord. When a leader builds into the lives of others and participates in the development of their potential, a leader is acting as a faithful steward of divine responsibility. Read 1 Chronicles 18:14-17.

David understood that he was the steward of human gifts and talents. He gave appropriate responsibility and authority to people of proven commitment and ability. 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 »

Leaders do more than merely point people in the right direction; they create conditions that will empower them to do the job. Read 2 Kings 2:7-15.

Elisha boldly asked Elijah for a double portion of the older prophet’s spirit. In doing so, he would assume the position of Elijah’s firstborn son. God granted his request when Elisha was allowed to pick up the cloak that dropped down from his mentor Elijah as he was being carried up to heaven by the hand of God. Read more »

Effective leaders are always on the lookout for good people. Virtually every leader carries around a mental list of what kind of people they would like on their team. It would surprise some leaders to discover that the teammate they get has less to do with what the leader wants and more to do with who the leader is. In most situations a leader draws people to them who possess the same qualities that the leader has. Read 2 Kings 2:1-15.

Elijah had a charismatic personality that affected all those around him on every level. Remember the lessons from 1 Kings 18 when Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal, he connected with the people of Israel. He didn’t just sit idly by while the prophets of Baal did their incantations to call down fire on the sacrifice; he taunted them and made sarcastic remarks concerning Baal napping. When the time came for Elijah to implore God to bring the fire to ignite the wood on the sacrifice he poured water on the wood and made a display that won the people’s hearts. And, when he called for the execution of the false prophets, the people were captivated and on his team. Read more »

Leaders who selfishly pursue their own interests above those of God and others become unfaithful stewards whose influence debase rather than edify. A few select passages from 2 Kings that bring this point home are: 3:1-3; 8:16-27; 12:1-8; 13:1-6.

The second book of the kings of Israel and Judah describes the final days of the divided kingdom before both halves fall into captivity. As much as anything, this book is the story of failed leadership. Although there were some examples of earthly success, there were very few leaders that showed godly character, competence and compassion and the people they led reflected the deficiencies of the leaders. Read more »