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September 25
The File Leader
Behold, I have made him a witness to the nations, a leader and commander of the peoples. — Isa 55:4 BSB
Four times in the New Testament, our Lord is called Leader or Prince.
The word originally means the First in a line of men, their Captain or Commanding Officer (see Acts 3:15; Acts 5:31; Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 12:2).
Christ leads from death to life. Perhaps Joshua was the first to cross the dried bed of the Jordan, with the priests standing by, bearing the Ark of the Covenant; but certainly, our Savior has gone before us through the waters of death and will hold them back until each of His redeemed passes “clean over” (Joshua 3:17).
Christ leads His followers into victory. When our Lord was exalted to the right hand of power, He opened a path that would be followed through the ages by a multitude that no one can count. Just as He overcame, we too may overcome. As He reigns over all principality and power, we trust that He will soon crush Satan under our feet and make us more than conquerors.
Christ leads those who suffer to perfection. Though He was the Son of God, He learned obedience through what He suffered, transforming suffering into a means of discipline, strength, and glory. If we are cast into the furnace of affliction, we will find the Son of God walking with us, and we will emerge without the smell of fire upon us. Jesus is the Leader of a great procession of martyrs and sufferers. He leads through no darker paths than those He has already walked. He knows how much we can bear and will not test us beyond our strength. He is with us “all the days” and will teach us obedience, faith, and hope as we follow in His steps.
Prayer
O Lord, whose way is perfect, help us to always trust in Your goodness. As we walk with You and follow You in simplicity, may we have quiet and contented minds, casting all our cares on You, for You care for us. Amen.