Scripture
“During those dark times, it was not safe to travel. Problems troubled the people of every land. Nation fought against nation, and city against city, for God was troubling them with every kind of problem. But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.†2 Chronicles 15:5-7
Observation
A world without leadership is life in darkness keeping company with all that grows in dark places. During the days of the Judges few would take responsibility to lead well. Each of the problems that they faced were alarms to the potential leaders of the land. The tragedy was that those leaders pushed the snooze button and ignored their responsibilities.
Now King Asa stood in another dark time. Again the alarm was ringing. But instead of rolling over, King Asa took action. He not only tackled public opinion with a bulldozer ripping down pagan shrines, he even took on his grandmother and bumped her from the throne.
There was no pay rise in this. Asa had no promotion to gain. What King Asa did receive was a promise that his efforts would be rewarded. Others would benefit because of the painful steps he was taking.
Leaders do not always benefit from their efforts as much as those who follow them. Abraham Lincoln never enjoyed the end of the Civil War but the freed slaves did. FDR never did a victory parade through Paris , but liberated Europe did. George Washington was homeless for the seven years of the Revolution, and though he became the first president and laid the foundation stone of the US Capitol, he never slept in the White House. But others did. Because these leaders paid the price the reward has been great.
Application
Leadership makes all the difference, and it is worth leading well. This calls for leaders who are indifferent to personal benefit, who act because the times require it. It makes a difference for a leader to lead in dark times.
We live in dark times, where people compare color charts of right and wrong in the shadows. Troubles do abound. God is troubling our world with every kind of problem. Each of these is an alarm clock ringing for us to arise and take action. Leaders must lead for their work will be rewarded. I will stand with them.
Prayer
Father I want to lead by turning the light on in dark places. I know this has great reward. Help me to keep the lights on. Amen.
