Sunday Devotion: 21 November 2021, Christ The King / Reign of Christ, Last Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday Devotions
Christ be my leader
Written by clergy and lay people across our Diocesan community, ‘Sunday Devotions’ is a column of short reflections based on a Lectionary reading of the day, suitable for small group discussion or personal use.
Main Readings: 2 Samuel 23.1-7 or Daniel 7.9-10, 13-14; Psalm 132.1-12 (13-18) or Psalm 93; Revelation 1.4b-8; John 8.33-37
Supplementary Readings: Psalm 93; Philippians 2.1-11; Daniel 7.9-10, 13-14; Psalm 95.1-7; John 12.20-33
“To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Revelation 1.5b-6)
In my former career, some of my management roles included occasionally representing ‘the management’ by making an announcement, opening an important meeting or giving a staff award. I would joke to others that my duties were largely ceremonial, but behind the scenes nothing could be further from the truth.
Today’s reading portrays Jesus Christ as a ruler over all the kings of the earth. However, far from having a ceremonial role, Christ gives a model of leadership that is active, dynamic and powerful. A striking feature of Jesus as a leader is that he puts himself physically ‘on the line’ for the people he leads. He is “the first born of the dead” and the one who was pierced and bled for us.
When we sing ‘Christ be my leader’ it is this kind of leadership we are claiming for ourselves. Christ’s leadership exemplifies self-giving and servanthood, which unite and empower others. By imitating Christ, we become a kingdom and priests, serving God through others. The extension is that, in following Christ’s model, we are called to be Christ-like leaders in our own communities.
Christ’s leadership demonstrates love and self-sacrifice that continue to inspire and challenge us.
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