LOOKING FOR A LEADER- Right From The Heart Ministries

Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016

 "Jesus said, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place." “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth.”’ John 18:36-37

We’re all looking for a leader.  Whether it’s the leader of a nation, a business or a leader/mentor in your community– we all want someone to look out for us, to point us in the right direction. It’s how we’re wired. And the more out of control things feel, the more we long for a leader who promises hope and security.

This is certainly prevalent in today’s political climate. Facing another presidential election, we’ve begun to link all our hopes to a particular candidate or political party. And so we argue, we debate, and we desperately cling to the belief that one person can fulfill all our expectations – that one person can be the leader we so desperately desire. The good news for us is this:  there is a leader who can meet the longings of our heart.

When Jesus came, He spoke about a new kingdom – a heavenly kingdom. Well, this wasn’t exactly what everyone expected. Jesus was supposed to be a king, to overthrow the oppressive rule of Rome and restore Israel to political greatness. But, Jesus certainty didn’t look the part. He had no army, no palace – even the religious Jews called for His death. But Jesus didn’t come to meet all of their expectations. Jesus came to proclaim truth.

What truth, exactly? Jesus came to set captives free, to seek and to save the lost and to offer His life as a ransom for many. Jesus came to go to the cross – the very cross that you and I deserve because of our faults and our sins. Jesus came to fight for us, to rescue us, and to give us hope and a future.
So what does this have to do with an uncertain political climate? As a follower of Jesus, you are part of the Kingdom of God, a kingdom that has no end. You can stand confidently on the finished work of Christ knowing that He has fought for you and won! And this changes everything – because your hope is secure. Your future is bright. No matter who wins this election, Jesus is the only one who can offer true hope and security. And that victory is guaranteed, no matter the political outcome. Jesus is the greatest leader the world has ever seen, and He is inviting you to trust in Him as your Savior and King.

Taken from a sermon by George Wright, Senior Pastor, Cedarcrest Church.