Today’s Reading 2 Kings 1-3
Focal Scripture: 2 Kings 2:9 “When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken from you.” So Elisha answered, “Please, let me inherit two shares of your spirit.”
Elijah’s time is almost up on Earth. He knows it will be time for him to be taken away which means Elisha will be taking over. He does not focus on himself instead he focuses on the one coming after him. He knows that how you leave is more important than how you came.
Elisha asks for a big blessing. He knows he has large shoes to fill. So he asks for a bigger blessing to accomplish the task and the work ahead. Both of these men know how to lead and how to take care of the person coming in next. They have no ego, no desire to be the main person, instead they care about the end result more.
This example shows leaders how to pass on the mantle. Every good leader knows they will not always be in charge. They also know that as a believer they are not in charge anyway but placed as a temporary steward. By having a plan in place he knows there will not be a gap which inevitably causes a struggle for power.
The implications for believers whether I the secular setting or church setting is to have the end in mind. If you leave a position, get sick, or even die how will the transition take place. Good leaders raise up people to replace them. Bad leaders believe it all hinges on them.
Through our readings we have seen plenty of bad leaders. They continually do evil. They cause problems and make it all about them. Godly leaders glorify the Lord. Give away responsibility and understand the more people are empowered the better off the mission.
So what type of leader are you? Do you believe you are all powerful? Everything ends with you? Or do you look to empower the next generation? Lead by the biblical example not the secular example.
Tomorrow I plan on reading 2 Kings 4-5
