How can Jehoahaz's example guide us in seeking God's wisdom in leadership? A Brief Snapshot of Jehoahaz (2 Chronicles 36:2) “Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months.” Why His Three-Month Reign Matters • A king from a godly lineage (son of Josiah) shows that heritage alone is not enough. • His reign ends abruptly because God allows Pharaoh Neco to depose him (2 Chron 36:3–4). • Parallel record: “He did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as his fathers had done.” (2 Kings 23:32) • Jeremiah laments him (Jeremiah 22:10–12), underscoring the spiritual tragedy behind the political headline. Key Missteps That Withheld Wisdom • Ignored the spiritual reforms of his father Josiah (2 Chron 34–35). • Failed to seek the Lord’s counsel; no record of prayer, prophet, or Torah consultation. • Chose alliances and strategies in his own strength, yet Egypt overpowered him anyway. • Showed that evil leadership is short-lived because “the LORD tears down the house of the proud” (Proverbs 15:25). Practical Guidelines for Us Today 1. Start with God’s Word – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Leaders who ignore Scripture risk repeating Jehoahaz’s blindness. 2. Seek God Before Acting – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… in all your ways acknowledge Him.” (Proverbs 3:5–6) – The absence of any seeking spirit in Jehoahaz’s story is its loudest warning. 3. Value Character over Position – Jehoahaz sat on a throne yet lacked inner surrender. – “Better a poor man who walks in integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.” (Proverbs 28:6) 4. Listen to God-given Voices – Jeremiah spoke, but the king did not heed. – Wise leaders invite godly counsel (Proverbs 11:14). 5. Remember God Sets the Term Limits – Three months remind us that authority is borrowed, not owned. – “He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them.” (Daniel 2:21). Walking in Wisdom: Action Steps • Daily Scripture intake—treat God’s Word as the executive briefing. • Regular, humble prayer—“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God.” (James 1:5) • Accountability partnerships—elders, mentors, or peers who will correct you. • Immediate obedience—quickly adjust course when the Spirit convicts. • Long-term perspective—measure decisions by eternal impact, not mere tenure. Encouraging Examples to Emulate • Solomon’s early request for “an understanding heart” (1 Kings 3:9). • Hezekiah’s reliance on prayer during crisis (2 Kings 19:14–19). • The ultimate model: Jesus, who “did nothing of Himself, but only what He saw the Father doing.” (cf. John 5:19). Bottom Line Jehoahaz shows how swiftly leadership collapses when God’s wisdom is sidelined. Lasting, fruitful leadership is born of humble dependence on Scripture, prayerful reliance on the Lord, and a heart ready to obey His voice. |
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