THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Chronicles 8-10
“So the king did not listen to the people.” (2 Chronicles 10:15)
What happens when the leadership loses touch with the people?
There is a subtle deceptiveness that affects leaders, it can skew their perspective.
For governments, church leaders, employers/managers, position can go to your head.
Responsibility gives way to privilege, and the people are forgotten.
We were made to love God and each other, not to use and abuse each other.
But Satan succeeded in twisting our hearts and minds toward self-interest.
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them.” (Matthew 20:25)
This is not God’s way, nor the way of Adam (before sin) – nor the way of Jesus.
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28)
As a Jesus follower, I need to learn from the wisdom of Jesus.
I also need to learn from the folly of sinful humanity.
Rehoboam takes from the people, and loses them.
Jesus gives Himself for the people, and gains them.
As a Jesus following leader, am I using or serving the people under my care?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I confess I have seen congregants more as tools to be used (even if for good causes) than people to be loved and served. Help me to follow Your example.
‘ Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on his throne as king to rule for the Lord your God. Because of the love of your God for Israel and his desire to uphold them forever, he has made you king over them, to maintain justice and righteousness’ were the words of the queen of Sheba speaking words of wisdom showing the responsibilities, duties of the king. The same should be true today of the rulers of the people – love of God and love for His people as they rule today. this follows the summary of the law – God’s law. All to often when placed in a position of power and authority, people usurp their power for their own selfish purposes. Serve Him always in all areas of life an I must do the same – serve God and serve His people. Another verse for the song selected would be
serve Him, serve Him all ye little children . . .
1
Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.
2
Love Him, love Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Love Him, love Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.
3
Thank Him, thank Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Thank Him, thank Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.