Christ the King Sunday brings the church calendar to a close for another year. Advent, the season of waiting with expectancy will begin next week. Today’s text invites us to pause and prayerfully reflect on the type of leadership which enables a people to flourish – to grow, thrive and bear fruit for others. Tender presence, wisdom, integrity, justice and safety are markers of such leadership. They point to the One who has come to lead us and teach us how to lead. Lean into His voice again this day.
Jeremiah 23:1-6 (TMG)
“Doom to the shepherd-leaders who butcher and scatter my sheep!” GOD’s Decree. “So here is what I, GOD, Israel’s God, say to the shepherd-leaders who misled my people: ‘You’ve scattered my sheep. You’ve driven them off. You haven’t kept your eye on them. Well, let me tell you, I’m keeping my eye on you, keeping track of your criminal behavior. I’ll take over and gather what’s left of my sheep, gather them in from all the lands where I’ve driven them. I’ll bring them back where they belong, and they’ll recover and flourish. I’ll set shepherd-leaders over them who will take good care of them. They won’t live in fear or panic anymore. All the lost sheep rounded up!’ GOD’s Decree.”
“Time’s coming”—GOD’s Decree—“when I’ll establish a truly righteous David-Branch,
A ruler who knows how to rule justly.
He’ll make sure of justice and keep people united.
In his time Judah will be secure again
and Israel will live in safety.
This is the name they’ll give him:
‘GOD-Who-Puts-Everything-Right.’
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention you as you listened to or slowly read the text? Quietly reflect on it in your prayer with Jesus. Journal your conversation.
What longings arise within you as you meditate on the text? What emotions stir within you? Bring them into your prayer.
Savor any consoling words or pictures as you quietly rest in God.