Leadership Sets the Example - 2 Chronicles 33-36

 2 Chronicles 35:7-9 (ESV Strong's)

7 Then Josiah contributed to the lay people, as Passover offerings for all who were present, lambs and young goats from the flock to the number of 30,000, and 3,000 bulls; these were from the king's possessions. 8 And his officials contributed willingly to the people, to the priests, and to the Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, the chief officers of the house of God, gave to the priests for the Passover offerings 2,600 Passover lambs and 300 bulls. 9 Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethanel his brothers, and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad, the chiefs of the Levites, gave to the Levites for the Passover offerings 5,000 lambs and young goats and 500 bulls.

Leadership Setting an Example 

Josiah, at the age of eight, began to follow God.  Although his father and grandfather were wicked, God’s grace fell upon him.  As he began to turn the hearts of the nation and clean up the Temple, someone found a copy of the Law (The books of Genesis-Deuteronomy).   As Josiah reads the Law he becomes even more under conviction to serve God (this is what the Word of God, read into our hearts and minds should do).  With these convictions, inspired to obey God, Josiah sets in motion what would be later described as the greatest Passover service since the days of Samuel (vs. 18).   

The above passage tells us something very important in regard to Josiah’s leadership and of those he surrounded himself, as fellow leaders.   When it came to ask the people to worship at the Passover, Josiah was “all in,” as was his fellow leaders.  God had so impacted his life that he was convicted to not just lead the worship, but to set the example for his other leaders and his followers .. the entire nation.   This is what leadership does.  It sets the example and inspires others to do the same.  Leaders don’t just talk about what should be done.   They rise up and do what needs to be done.   God wants leaders to set the pace for those who follow.   They give, sacrificially, of themselves, before they ask it of others.