What leadership qualities of Jeroboam II can we apply in our lives today? Setting the Scene 2 Kings 14:28: “As for the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, all that he did—his might, how he warred, and how he restored Damascus and Hamath to Judah in Israel—are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?” Lesson 1: Guard the Territory God Entrusted • Jeroboam II “restored” the boundaries (v. 28; cf. v. 25). • Numbers 34:1-12 shows God cares about rightful borders. • Application: – Protect what God has placed under your care—home, church, vocation. – Steward resources faithfully; don’t surrender ground to apathy or compromise. Lesson 2: Serve with Courageous Competence • Scripture highlights Jeroboam’s “might” and “how he warred.” • Psalm 18:39: “You armed me with strength for battle.” • Proverbs 21:31: “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD.” • Application: – Prepare diligently; skill and planning honor God. – Face challenges boldly, confident that ultimate victory comes from Him. Lesson 3: Align with God’s Prophetic Word • 2 Kings 14:25 ties Jeroboam’s success to “the word of the LORD…spoken through…Jonah.” • Isaiah 55:11 assures God’s word never returns void. • Application: – Test goals against Scripture; pursue what He has already spoken. – Welcome godly counsel that echoes biblical truth. Lesson 4: Act in Mercy Toward the Oppressed • 2 Kings 14:26-27 records the LORD saw Israel’s “very bitter affliction” and used Jeroboam to give relief. • Micah 6:8 calls leaders to “do justice, love mercy.” • Application: – Let compassion shape leadership decisions. – Use influence to lift burdens, not add to them. Lesson 5: Remember the Cautionary Tale • 2 Kings 14:24 exposes Jeroboam’s moral failure: he “did not turn away from all the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat.” • Strength minus obedience breeds eventual ruin (cf. 2 Kings 17:7-23). • Application: – Character must accompany competence. – Guard against idolatry of success; worship the LORD alone (Exodus 20:3). A Personal Checklist for Today □ Am I safeguarding the responsibilities God assigned to me? □ Am I developing skills and strategies while trusting God for outcomes? □ Do my plans square with clear biblical teaching? □ Are my decisions motivated by compassion for those hurting? □ Is my private worship as strong as my public achievements? |
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