Being a Good Leader Part 1

 

    What is it to be a good leader?  I think the answer depends on the person.  However, there are some general truths that don't change with personality, preference, or moods.  God shows us daily what we need to do and the person that we need to be.  We just have to pay attention.

    King Amaziah was 25 when he became king of Judah.  He was barely a man, but he reigned 29 years doing his best to be a good leader for his people.  He was not as good as his ancestor King David, but times were different.  The needs of the people had changed.  He had different influences.  If he had served God without holding back, just imagine how things would have changed.  Maybe Israel and Judah would have finally united again.

    Once Amaziah's reign was established, he executed his father's murderers.  However, he did spare their families.  He went on to defeat 10,000 Edomites.  He challenged Jehoash to fight one on one, face to face.  King Jehoash of Israel refused by deflecting.  He accused Amaziah of being arrogant.  However, it was God's will that they face off.  King Amaziah kept pursuing it.

    King Jehoash captured King Amaziah and Jerusalem's walls was torn down.  Then he took their gold and silver back to Samaria.  When King Jehoash died his son Jeroboam succeeded him.  

    King Amaziah lived 15 years after King Jehoash died.  His people conspired against him and he had to flee.  He could not flee far enough to avoid their execution.  The next ruler over Judah was Azariah.  He was only 16.  He tried to do good by his people.  He rebuilt Elath and restored Judah.  

    King Jeroboam reigned 41 years over Israel, but was not a good leader.  He did restore Israel's boundaries.  He was probably popular and liked, but that does not make him a good leader.  Good and bad leaders come and go.  You may not like how things are right now, but wait.  They will change again.  If you can't wait then seek God to see how He would have you change things.

2 Kings 14