Pestilence Confronted: Who will accept responsibility here?
Covid has presented a tremendous leadership and operational challenge to governments around the world. In many cases leaders have risen to the occasion and shown great courage and wisdom in helping their nation cope and overcome the Covid challenges. Others have shown themselves to be in constant “political” mode, unable to keep the greater interests of the people and nation in focus. It has allowed citizens to observe firsthand the strengths and weaknesses of our respective leaders and governments. When leaders act like politicians in times of crisis instead responsible leaders, it shows: they claim successes as their own and blame failures on others. As a result one can imagine that many Covid-era leaders will win or lose subsequent elections based on perceptions of their leadership.
As Christ-followers we “celebrate” Easter as an annual reminder of God’s great expression of grace towards humankind: the planned sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Son of God for our sins, repentance and full redemption.
The perfect sacrifice, Jesus Christ, took each of our places in full judgement and death for our sins. Our view of these things in the early 21st Century seems so tidy and understandable in a way, perhaps too tidy.
Every Easter Sunday I like to read the four accounts of Jesus’ resurrection and appearing to His disciples and apostles. These accounts reveal a not so neat and tidy situation! There was much doubting and fear about what was going to happen following Jesus’ crucifixion, itself a public, humiliating form of torture and death. We can imagine the many questions: How could God allow His Son, our Messiah to die and in this way? What are we to do now? Will they come for us?
Before the soldiers came for him, Jesus told his disciples: “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
And again Jesus explains: “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” John 10:14-15, 17-18 (ESV)
There it is, Jesus taking full responsibility for the apparent fiasco of the crucifixion. Yet there was no mistake or failure, Jesus was born for this very reason. It reminds me that true servant leadership in Christ is not political or fearful but rather always mindful and coveting of the perfect will of God in all situations.
Blessings,
Jim
Global Prayer Points
As we seek to see our marketplace transformed by the Gospel, join us in prayer this week for the following requests from our Global Leadership.
Africa: Pray for good preparations for the 2nd CBMC Africa Convention to be held as a hybrid in Lusaka, Zambia during the days of April 23-24.
Asia/Pacific: Pray for the translation of Operation Timothy into Khmer, the language of Cambodia and Mongolian, the language of Mongolia.
Europe: Specific prayer requests can be sent to [email protected]
Latin America: Pray for the 47 men and women who are currently in training to become disciplers (Pauls). On April 24, CBMC Mexico will be having a National Outreach Meeting by Zoom. Pray for a great harvest.
Middle East: Pray for open doors and leaders in the region.
North America: Pray for establishing an e-CBMC (next generation) in North America Korean CBMC. Pray that Christian leaders would take the challenge to lead other leaders who need Jesus.
If you have a prayer request, please send an email to CBMC International.
