Diana’s Kidney

Diana entered the day hospital at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center yesterday to donate a kidney to my mom. My wife, since the beginning, has voluntarily pursued the chance to give her kidney to my mom. My wife’s demeanor and stature is absolutely remarkable during such a stressful situation. We are quite grateful that her pre-op tests did not come back like my own when I tried to donate my kidney in April. We had a great night with many visitors including Virgina Lakey, Donnie & Garnet, Dad & Mom, Clayton & Cynthia (Taylor & Logan), Rachel & Jordan, Micah & Judi (Lincoln & Emerson), Jon Sexton, and several nurses and doctors (Dr. Assimos).

 Diana and I has some alone time and took the extra time to pray for her and mom as the surgery approached.

I stayed in the room last night with Diana. Normally, she does not mind if I stay, but she didn’t mention that it would be fine for me to go home and get some sleep. I took that as my que that I needed to stay. Our rise and shine time was at 530. So we had a good rise and shine time. She jumped into the shower and I brushed my teeth. We had to laugh as she put on her hospital gown. The gown was such a cool 8th anniversary outfit.

 We took time to read I Corinthians 13 together, which is the passage we always read together when we were dating. Of course, this got both of us crying as we anticipated the surgery in less than two hours. We cried for a few minutes and then wiped away the tears.

Donnie and Garnet arrived just a few minutes after 600. Dad showed up about 610 this morning. We all talked until the doctors arrived at about 633 to take Diana down to the surgery staging room. At this point, I really did some crying, but God gave me much comfort as I walked with her to the staging room. I told Diana as we got on the elevator…”I thought we got all these tears out earlier this morning.” I guess not! Oh but God is so good.

 I then went back up and spent a few minutes with mom, dad, and Donnie & Garnet before going downstairs to the surgical family waiting area.

 We have had several visitors including Carol Smith, Sandra Nifong, Aunt Pete, Wanda Brewer, Doug Kinney (my uncle), Cynthia (and the 4 girls). Donnie & Garnet have been here the whole time and brought me breakfast from Bojangles.

I spoke with the OR nurse three times and the Diana was doing well each time. I spoke with Dr. Assimos about 1100 and Diana would be moving to recovery in about 20 minutes. She should be in recovery for about an hour before moving to another room.

 I can’t wait to see the love of my life! 

I love you babe!

II Chronicles 23: Jehoida Strengthens Himself

Athaliah had established her position of authority by killing the royal offspring. Fortunately, Jehoshabeath had rescued one of the royal offspring, Joash, and protected him in the temple of God.

 After some time Jehoida, the high priest, gained strength and prepared to contest Athaliah for the throne. He formed a coalition with Azariah, Ishmael, Azariah, Maaseiah, and Elishaphat. These leaders signed a contract with Jehoida that would help elevate Joash to his proper throne.

 Jehoida’s leadership:

1/3 of the priests / Levites shall be gatekeepers
1/3 of the priests / Levites shall be at the king’s house
1/3 of the priests / Levites shall be at the Gate of Foundation
 All shall be in the in the courts of the house of the LORD.

 Jehoida then gave King David’s spears and shields to the ones he had made contracts with to help protect Joash as king. After providing them with equipment they anointed Joash king of Judah & Benjamin. Soon after the triumphal entry began, Athaliah overheard the celebration and hastily rushed to the house of the Lord. Athaliah vehemently screamed Treason, Treason yet she was still forced outside the house of the Lord and killed.

 Jehoida then led Judah & Benjamin to reform by destoying the temple of Baal and killing the priest of Baal. The response to Jehoida’s righteous actions resulted in the city rejoicing. The text reads that since the death of Athaliah the city was quiet.

Great leadership requires…

Knowledge of what is right
Courage to do what is right
Persuasive in convincing others to do that which is right
Plan to achieve what is right
A willingness to carry out the plan by overcoming any fear.
A willingness to make things right and also to destroy that which is evil.

Many lessons we can learn from the leaders in the Bible.

II Chronicles 22: Like Father Like Son

Ahaziah, the youngest son of Jehoram whom the Arabs left living, became king for one year in Judah & Benjamin. Much to Ahaziah’s demise his mother, Athaliah, led his kingdom into wickedness. She continued to seek counsel from the wicked leadership of Ahab the king of Israel.  Jehoram, Jehoshaphat’s son, must have made such an impression on Ahab that Ahab named one of his sons Jehoram. So Ahab’s son and Jehoram’s son make alliances like their fathers between Judah and Israel.  

God would use this alliance to inflict judgment on two kings who persisted on walking wickedly. God would use Jehu to execute His judgment on their lives. Jehu slew Ahab and all the princes of Judah including Ahaziah. Ahaziah’s mother promptly rose and destroyed the royal offspring in Judah so that she might have controls of the country. However, Jehoshabeath Ahaziah’s sister (wife of Jehoiada the priest), hid one of Ahaziah’s sons, Joash, in the house of God for six years while Athaliah reigned over the land.

Despite the passion of Satan to thwart the planned seed for the Messiah, God effortlessly protected His covenant and kept the seed through hands of a woman Jehoshabeath who potected Joash from his wicked grandmother.

II Chronicles 21: Jehoram’s Miserable Leadership

Jehoram, Jehoshaphat’s first born, became king. After becoming king, Jehoram slew all of his brothers (Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azaryahu, Michael, Shephatiah). He soon made an alliance with Ahab, king of Israel, through marriage. This marriage and friendship with Israel promoted wickedness within his kingdom.

Despite the wickedness of Jehoram the Lord was not willing to destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that was made.

Two groups revolted against Jehoram’s leadership, Edom and Libnah. According to verse ten they refused to follow Jehoram, “because he had forsaken the LORD God of his fathers.”

Jehoram made high places in the mountains for worship, he caused the inhabitants to play the harlot, and he led Judah astray. Jehoram’s unfaithfulness to Jehovah prompted damnable letter from Elijah.

Since you…

Failed to follow in the footsteps of his father (Jehoshaphat) or his grandfather (Asa).
Enjoyed walking after Ahab and leading the people away from the LORD
Secured his throne by killing his younger brothers

You will…

Be struck by the Lord with your wives and their children
Suffer sickness of the bowels, which will ultimately lead to your painful slow death.

After Elijah’s brash letter the Lord stirred up the Philistines and the Arabs (on the border of Ethiopia) to attack Judah. Two years after from the letter of Elijah Jehoram’s bowels came out of his body and died a painful death.

I find the comments at the end of his death very interesting.

“The people of Judah made no fire for Jehoram like they made for Asa or Jehoshaphat.”
“He departed with no one’s regret”
“…they buried him in the city of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.”

A few notes on miserable leaders:

Miserable leaders are scared they will lose their position.
Miserable leaders take action to secure their leadership (killing his brothers).
Miserable leaders are self centered.
Miserable leaders make alliances with ungodly leaders.
Miserable leaders fail to remember the footsteps of their father and grandfather.
Miserable leaders lead people astray (literally away from the LORD).
Miserable leaders will face revolt for appropriate reasons (Edom & Libnah).
Miserable leaders must face condemnation from the messengers of God (Elijah).
Miserable leaders will endure tough calamities.
Miserable leaders are not missed when they depart.

II Chronicles 20: Victory Requires Trust

A remarkable chapter of a leader, Jehoshaphat, brining the people together to put their trust in God. Jehoshaphat recognized the need of someone much bigger then themselves to hold off the army marching towards Judah & Benjamin. They prayed, God responded through a prophet, the people were encouraged, and God defeated the approaching armies without Judah nor Benjamin using their swords.

 Unfortunately, after this victory Jehoshaphat chose to make an alliance with Ahaziah, the king of Israel. The alliance was to work together building ships that they could use to get to Tarshish. God did not like Jehoshaphat’s plan and sent Eliezer to inform the kings that the ships would be destroyed due to this alliance with a wicked king.

Nonetheless, Jehoshaphat made some great decisions in this chapter.

The leader in fear must always go to the Lord.

The leader must draw the people together to pray.

The leader must face his inadequacies honestly, “for we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming aginst us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

The leader must listen for the messenger of God, Jahaziel.

The leader must encourage trust, “put your trust in the LORD your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.

The leader must encourage worship, “he appointed those who sang to the LORD and those who praised Him in holy attire, as they went out before the army, because they His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

The leader must be not lead the people into wrong alliances.

II Chronicles 19: Jehoshaphat Warned & Judges Appointed

Although Jehoshaphat probably learned his lesson while on the battlefield with Ahab crying for his life, the Lord still sent the seer, Jehu (Hanani’s son), to deliver a message. Jehoshaphat when you make alliances with the wicked you are inviting the wrath of God on you and your kingdom.  Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah & Benjamin, gives instructions to the judges he is setting up throughout the kingdom. 

1. When you render judgment it is for the Lord and not man so consider what you do.
2. Let the fear of God rest upon you.
3. God does not participate in unrighteousness, partiality, or taking a bribe.
4. Fear the Lord and perform your work faithfully and wholeheartedly
5. The judge is responsible for the lives of the people he oversees. If the judge fails to inform the people that what they have done has impacted their relationship with God then it hurts the entire city.
6. Amariah the chief priest is in charge.
7. Act resolutely 

Great leaders consider every decision they make because they are a representative of the Lord.

Great leaders enjoy resting in the fear of the Lord, which prevents decisions that are unrighteous, partial, or bribed.

Great leaders perform faithfully and wholeheartedly.

Great leaders understand they help protect the individual and the whole.

Great leaders act resolutely.  

II Chronicles 18: Jehoshaphat’s Unwise Ally

Although Jehoshaphat had secured his dominating strength over Israel, he felt obligated to form an alliance with Ahab the king of Israel. Jehoshaphat opted to marry Ahab’s daughter to secure an alliance between the two.  After the alliance, Ahab requested help from Jehoshaphat’s 1,160,000 valiant warriors to defeat Ramoth-gilead. Jehoshaphat volunteered his assistance, but requested to hear from a prophet of God. The prophet of God in Israel, Micaiah, was brought before the kings and explained that Ahab would be killed in the fight and the Israelites would be scattered on the mountain side without a shepherd. This obviously did not sit well with Ahab and he requested that Micaiah be put in prison until his return from the war.  Jehoshaphat failed to heed the warning of Micaiah and went to war with Ahab against Ramoth-gilead. In the midst of the battle, when the warriors were pressing upon Jehoshaphat very hard he cried unto the Lord and the Lord delivered him. However, in the midst of the battle just as Micaiah had predicted, Ahab was shot randomly by an arrow. This shot delivered the fatal blow of the prophets message.  Great leaders must not form alliances with leaders who do listen to God.Great leaders must know that alliances can lead to disastrous battles. Great leaders put their life at risk in wrong battles when they make unhealthy alliances.  

II Chronicles 17: Jehoshaphat’s Success Through Teaching

According to my text this morning Jehoshaphat succeeded because of his willingness to walk in the footsteps of David’s early days. Jehoshaphat took seriously the commands of the Lord and willingly obeyed them with all his heart.  The law of the Lord was so important to Jehoshaphat that the officials of his cabinet were sent to cities throughout Judah to teach the law of the Lord. Judah & Benjamin had time to do this since the ‘dread of the LORD’ was upon all the kingdoms surrounding them.  While they learned the law of the LORD the forces of Judah and Benjamin excelled rapidly. Please note the strength of their forces.  Adnah, the commander, had 300,000 valiant warriors.
Johanan, the commander, had 280,000 valiant warriors.
Amasiah, who volunteered for the LORD, had 200,000 valiant warriors.
Eliada, of Benjamin, had 200,000 warriors armed with bow and shield.
Jehozabad had 180,000 equipped for war.  As you can see from the numbers God has blessed with 1,160,000 valiant warriors for Judah and Benjamin.  A great leader must emphasize the law of the Lord.A great leader must protect the people by obeying the Lord and preparing for future battles. 

II Chronicles 16: Asa Loses Trust

Asa’s achilles heel in old age is lack of trust. As Baasha, King of Israel, begins to put pressure on Judah & Benjamin Asa puts his trust in man rather than God. Asa sent gifts of silver and gold to Ben-Hadad king of Aram and requested that he withdraw from the treaty the Arameans had with Israel. Once Ben-Hadad received the gifts his commanders attacked a few cities of Israel (Ijon, Dan, Abelmaim, & Naphtali) causing Baasha to quit fortifying Ramah in preparation for an attack on Judah & Benjamin.

 A leader must be careful to not allow length of service become a detriment to trust. Asa has been leading for 36 years and had some massive military victories that were only won by trusting the Lord. But, this time Asa requested assistance from the wrong place, man.

 Hanani, a seer, approached Asa, the king, with great poise to deliver a message and a question from God.

Your failure to trust in God has taken the king of Aram, Ben-Hadad, out of your hand.
Do you remember when the Lord brought you great victory against the Ethiopians and the Lubim? You relied on the Lord and He provided a great victory.

Hanani continued, “…the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His…” Asa’s volatile anger explosed and he threw Hanani into prison and began to oppress the people. Asa’s feet became sick with disease and yet his wisdom from earlier years never caused him to seek the Lord. After 41 years of service as king of Judah & Benjamin Asa slept.

 Leaders must be careful to make sure they continue trusting God and not man.

II Chronicles 15: Asa’s Renewed Commitment

Azariah, the prophet, met Asa in Jerusalem to remind him that the Lord can be found when you seek Him. However, if at anytime you decide to forsake the Lord He will forsake you.   Azariah illustrates his point by discussing Israel. They have been without a teaching priest and without the law, but in while in distress they have sought the Lord. When they sought the Lord “He let them find Him.”  This prophecy of Azariah stirred up Asa so they he took courage to destroy more idols in the land of Judah and Benjamin. After the destruction of idols they entered into a covenant with Lord that they would seek the LORD with all their heart and soul. Anyone from Judah or Benjamin who refused the covenant accepted death. According to the record of Chronicles, Asa sought the Lord with his whole heart earnestly and “He let them find Him.”

 Leaders must listen to men of God (i.e. Azariah).
Leaders must not forget how to keep a close relationship with God (seek Him).
Leaders must discern prophecy and correctly apply it.
Leaders make public commitments to the Lord.
Leaders must be genuine and seek the Lord.
Leaders must destroy wickedness and remove ungodly leaders (Maacah his mother).