By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
2 Chronicles 33:9-10 "But Manasseh led Judah and the people of Jerusalem astray, so that they did more evil than the nations the Lord had destroyed before the Israelites. The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention."
Manasseh was king. Using his influence, he led the people astray into much evil against God. They even superseded the heathen nations around them who didn’t know God. So rebellious were they under Manasseh’s kingship that warnings from God were despised. It took God’s severe punishment for Manasseh to later repent and turn to God.
2 Chronicles 34:33 "Josiah removed all the detestable idols from all the territory belonging to the Israelites, and he had all who were present in Israel serve the Lord their God. As long as he lived, they did not fail to follow the Lord, the God of their ancestors."
Josiah was king Manasseh’s son. He became king at a tender age of eight. Using his position, he led the nation to God. He had all present in the nation of Israel under his jurisdiction influenced to serve God.
This comparison shows the power of leadership. It influences people under the leader’s control to do good or evil, towards God or away from Him for generations. This influence affects everything done under the person’s leadership. At your leadership level and period, in what direction are you influencing others? I pray you lead them to what is good, just, righteous and progressive.
Shalom children of God.