“The crowd is hushed as a jewel-studded crown is reverently placed on your head. Seated on your throne, clad in opulent robes, you have just become king or queen of the nation, the supreme authority, with life-or-death power over every person in your kingdom. You will live in a palace, eat royal food, make important decisions, and live in luxury for the rest of your life.
As the crown comes to rest on your head, the full meaning of this event suddenly hits. You are in power! The eyes of the nation will now look to you for leadership, direction, and purpose.
Now what? What will you do with all of this power and luxury and responsibility? What will be your first act as the new leader? Who will you look to for advice and counsel?
This is a story repeated many times -- throughout the terms of 19 kings of the northern kingdom of Israel and the 20 kings of the southern kingdom of Judah. The book of 2 Kings is the story of what these kings did, or did not do, with the power and wealth bestowed upon them by the people, and ultimately God. It is a story about stewardship -- what we do with what we have. In a very real sense, it is a book not merely about 39 ancient kings of a divided nation but about you and me and what we do with what God has given us.
God’s expectations are in direct relationship to his endowments. The more God gives us, the greater is our responsibility to be good stewards. This is true whether we are kings and queens with life-or-death power or merely part of the nine-to-five workforce.
Do you have more money than your neighbor? How does God expect you to use it? Are you endowed with exceptional talents? How does God expect you to use them?
Or maybe you feel that God has not given you much. It seems that you got the short end of the stick when it comes to money, talents, abilities, or even opportunities. But God makes it clear that the way we handle modest resources is a reflection of the way we will handle royal resources. What we do with what we have is the only accurate barometer of our hearts. (Touchpoint Bible)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! You have given us much, so as a result, much is required. Help us embrace our responsibility to lead and to use what you have given us (resources and/or talents) to serve, bless, and grow others. And help us seek your counsel above anyone else's as we work to use the power you have given us. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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