“In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the Lord and repaired them.”
II Chronicles 29:3 NKJV
One of my go-to interview questions for leadership positions is “what’s first? Describe your day one and first month goals and plans.”
The concept of “first things first” – made popular by Stephen Covey – means simply to prioritize and achieve your most important goals first instead of just responding to all of the “urgencies” vying for attention. There’s a reason it’s listed as one of the top habits of Highly Effective People. Priorities matter. They show those around us what our values are and it sets the tone for those to follow.
I found the story of Hezekiah quite inspiring today. As a new King leader, Hezekiah started his reign by opening and repairing the doors to the Temple that his father had closed. Hezekiah put the presence of G-d first above all things.
I imagine years of neglect caused the doors to be broken and the hinges dry. Think about an abandoned house. That’s the image that comes to mind for me. Hezekiah made sure the doors were overlaid with gold once again and could open freely. He then called the priests and Levite’s to consecrate themselves, prepare an offering, and worship. He then invited the people to participate, and a “great many offerings” were brought, thus reestablishing the House of the Lord suddenly:
“Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced because of what God had enabled the people to accomplish, because it happened so suddenly.”
2 Chronicles 29:36 TLV
When I put Him first and prioritize His presence, He will bring the rest into order. The details pale in comparison to the glory of His presence. May He take first place in my plans, in my thoughts, and in my heart.
Father – thank You for Your Word and how You constantly draw me to You. Thank You for pursuing me. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: 2 Kings 18:1-8, 2 Chronicles 29-31, Psalms 48
July 19, 2022