What lessons can we learn about leadership from Jehoram's reign in 2 Chronicles 21? A Life Story Boiled Down to One Verse “ ‘In the course of time, at the end of the two years, his bowels came out because of his disease, and he died in severe pain. And his people made no funeral fire in his honor, like the fires for his predecessors.’ ” (2 Chronicles 21:19) Choices Set the Trajectory • 2 Chronicles 21:6 says Jehoram “walked in the ways of the kings of Israel,” marrying into Ahab’s line. • Leadership begins with personal devotion. Aligning with ungodly influences will eventually shape public policy, morals, and attitudes. • Compare Deuteronomy 17:18-20—the king was commanded to copy and read the Law daily so “his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers.” Jehoram ignored this and lifted himself up instead. Ignoring God Invites Judgment • The letter from Elijah (21:12-15) warned of disease and disaster “because you have forsaken the LORD.” • Galatians 6:7 echoes the principle: “God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” • Jehoram’s two-year intestinal disease (21:18-19) shows God’s judgment can be both personal and precise, fulfilling Elijah’s words exactly. Painful Consequences Ripple Outward • Because Jehoram led Judah into idolatry (21:11), the LORD “stirred against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines and Arabs” (21:16-17). • The nation lost treasures, sons, security. Leadership sin never stays private; it bleeds into homes, churches, businesses, and nations. • Proverbs 14:34: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Legacy Speaks Louder than Position • 2 Chronicles 21:19-20 records no mourning bonfire, no praise, and only eight years on the throne. • Contrast 2 Chronicles 20:24-25, where Jehoshaphat’s victories brought songs and rejoicing. Position alone cannot secure honor; righteous character does. • Ecclesiastes 7:1: “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth.” Jehoram’s name became a cautionary tale. Keys for Today’s Leaders • Guard alliances: Partner with people who fear the LORD (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). • Stay saturated in Scripture: Daily intake keeps hearts humble (Psalm 119:11). • Reject idolatry: Anything that competes with God—power, popularity, profit—must go (Exodus 20:3). • Remember accountability: Hebrews 4:13—nothing is hidden from His sight. • Pursue servant-hearted authority: 1 Peter 5:3—“not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” • Aim for a godly legacy: 1 Timothy 3:2 lists qualities that outlive a title—above reproach, self-controlled, respectable. Jehoram’s reign underscores that leadership divorced from obedience ends painfully, publicly, and without honor. Staying faithful to God’s Word is the only sure path to a legacy worth celebrating. |
    |