"Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD." 2 Kings 15:35
Although Jotham's official reign lasted twenty-five years, he actually governed longer. When his father, Uzziah, was forced into quarantine because of leprosy, Jotham performed the day-to-day functions of the crown.
Much good can be said of Jotham's time as king of Judah, but he failed in a most important area: He didn't destroy the high places of idol worship, although leaving them clearly violated the first commandment (Ex. 20:3). Apparently, Jotham preferred to build. He added to the architecture surrounding the temple. He constructed cities, forts, and towers around Jerusalem. But his failure to remove the pagan worship places undermined the good that he did. The consequences were apparent in the life of his son Ahaz, who became one of Judah's most wicked rulers.
Like Jotham, we may live basically good lives and yet miss doing what is most important. A lifetime of doing good is not enough if we make the crucial mistake of not following God with all our hearts. God sometimes requires that certain habits or influences be removed from our lives. Our lives only have room for one god. A true follower of God puts Him first in all areas of life.
Our obedience to God is sometimes measured by what we don't do.
"And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses." Numbers 27:23
Regardless of what some people claim, leaders are made, not born. Gifted individuals must have training, hands-on experience, and good role models if they are ever going to realize their leadership potential. Joshua got it all.
He had led the attack on the Amalekites. He had accompanied Moses (at least halfway up the mountain) when God issued the Law on Mount Sinai. He had been at the tent of meeting when God spoke to Moses face-to-face. He had been one of the twelve men sent to spy out the land of Canaan. All in all, his was an impressive resume.
But perhaps the most valuable aspect of Joshua's leadership preparation was the privilege he had of observing Moses in action. As his personal aide, he got to watch him deal with jealous and rebellious and stubborn people. He saw how Moses handled national crises and smaller administrative nightmares. Most important of all, Joshua got an insider's look at Moses' intimate relationship with God.
In fact, the Bible frequently features this kind of leadership mentoring program. Elisha had Elijah. The disciples had Jesus. Timothy had Paul. Do you have an older, wiser role model to whom you can look? That is how the Lord situates people in His churches; to provide a model to follow in order for the next generation to successfully carry out the Lord's will. Follow the Moses God has placed in your church. Then ask God to help you become a Joshua.
Before one can be a leader, one has to be a follower. Spiritual leadership is God-given.
