The leader we long for

Local author and former election candidate Gerry McKeever’s new book “saving democracy” strikes a chord with what many are feeling, not just nationally but also internationally. Bad government lasts too long, and good government does not last long enough.

In today’s world we are increasingly affected by the decisions of other countries.  We are still impacted by Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, and perhaps we live in fear of what Trump will do next. If only there could be a leader who thought of the interests of others, and whose reign continued for a long time, even forever?

On Sunday mornings in Milford, we’ve been looking at Luke’s gospel, and wonderfully the message the angel gave to Mary was that she was going to have a son who would reign forever. She is understandably shocked, she is not naïve, she knows how babies are produced and she has not yet married Joseph.  How is this going to happen?

The answer given by the angel reveals why this leader is going to be different to any other leader. We might find the angel’s words a little hard to believe, but Dr Luke tells us he has carefully investigated everything, this is not make believe!  Mary’s pregnancy is going to come about through supernatural means, the glory of God will fill her womb so that the child to be born will be called the Son of God.  Here is the leader we need!

The best leaders are those who think about the interests of others.  We really don’t like it when leaders use their power to serve themselves.  Jesus Christ used His power to serve others, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, even giving his life for his people. At a first glance it may seem like this was a case of good government not lasting long enough, but because he rose from the dead, he reigns forever! It’s just as the angel said, his kingdom would last forever. 

Mary responds to this in the most wonderful way “I am the Lord’s servant…may your word to me be fulfilled.”  This was an enormous privilege for Mary, but it came at a cost. What if people didn’t believe her? Her dream wedding may be cancelled and her reputation could be in tatters.  Accepting God’s Word can be costly, but Mary says it’s worth it.  

Massey Ferguson may boast “The last tractor you’ll ever need.” Jesus is the last king you’ll ever need, for he is king forever.  In some countries today, following Jesus may be very costly, but it’s worth it. We may be troubled by different leaders today, but if we follow the example of Mary and accept God’s Word about Jesus, we will find we have the leader we need who can get us through this life and even through death.