Leadership requires humility and service, such as Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. But it also involves something priestly.
That is, true leaders do what priests do—they plead to God for their people, just as Jesus pled for us from the cross.
Hezekiah was a godly king. He had the temple cleaned and he re-instituted the abandoned sacrificial system. Then Hezekiah wanted the nation to celebrate the Passover again, a tradition forgotten for centuries. But the Passover must happen on the 15th – 22nd day of the Hebrew month of Nissan. The day was coming and many of the people of Israel were not prepared and were “ritually unclean.”
Hezekiah did not want to wait another year.
“Many … were ritually unclean, yet they had eaten the Passover contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah had interceded for them, saying, ‘May the Good Lord provide atonement on behalf of whoever sets his whole heart on seeking God, Yahweh, the God of his ancestors, even though not according to the purification rules of the sanctuary.’ So the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people” 2 Chronicles 30:18-20.
Hezekiah used his leadership as king to return the nation to God. He got them to cleanse the temple and celebrate Passover. Then when the people sinned by taking the Passover while ritually unclean, Hezekiah went to God on behalf of his people. That is what a priest would do—intercede with God on behalf of his people. But as a king, Hezekiah was willing to shoulder that burden.
We should do the same for those we lead. Pray for those you lead. BEG GOD to reveal Himself to them. Ask Him to give them His forgiveness, grace, and new life. What did Jesus pray while being crucified? “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” What did Stephen pray while being stoned? “Father, do not hold this sin against them.”
God, make us Godly leaders. Teach us to intercede on behalf of those we lead. May we lead like Hezekiah!
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