Leadership Beyond Boundaries

Leadership Beyond Boundaries 

II Kings 23:19-22 NKJV

[19] Now Josiah also took away all the shrines of the high places that were in the cities of Samaria, which the kings of Israel had made to provoke the Lord to anger; and he did to them according to all the deeds he had done in Bethel. [20] He executed all the priests of the high places who were there, on the altars, and burned men’s bones on them; and he returned to Jerusalem. [21] Then the king commanded all the people, saying, “Keep the Passover to the Lord your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.” [22] Such a Passover surely had never been held since the days of the judges who judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah. 

     During Josiah's reforms in the Southern Kingdom of Judah (c. 621 BC), the Northern Kingdom of Israel (or Samaria) had already been destroyed by the Assyrians, so there was no reigning king at that time.  That will help us understand how and why Josiah was able to expand the reforms of the southern Kingdom into the Northern kingdom. 

    In modern  times, effective leaders  facilitate cooperation and build a shared sense of purpose that extends beyond departmental or organizational silos. Boundaryless leadership values different perspectives and fosters an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute. Josiah didn't stay in Samsria, but he left a word for the worship of Jehovah and the celebration of passover. His leadership went beyond Judah.

   To empower the worship of Jehovah,  Josiah executed the priests of the high places in Samsria as well. There was an empowering that could only come from God. Then, he left a word for the celebration of the passover. You can't help but be amazed  at what God can do in a life surrendered to him. Global leaders are mindful of the interconnectedness of the world and take a global perspective, fostering cultural understanding and collaboration across borders. So was Josiah. May your leadership in the New Testament go beyond boundaries in Jesus Name. Good morning.