Looking for a Leader

Looking for a Leader by Darrin Compagner Scripture Reading: Genesis 49:8-12 “The scepter will not depart from Judah. . . .” Genesis 49:8

Every human organization needs leadership. Schools, businesses, governments, and churches all seek competent and faithful leaders. What makes for a good leader?

Strength?

Vision?

Good looks?

Age?

Character?

Shrewdness?

Families need good leadership too, including the family of God’s people. We must consider for example how Abraham and Sarah were chosen, along with their descendants to establish God's rule in the earth. Through them, God was reestablishing his righteousness in a fallen world.

But the story that follows in Genesis shows a family that gradually descended into chaos. This is what happened in the stories of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel), and his twelve sons.

Their fear led to unfaithfulness; deception led to betrayal and broken trust; favoritism led to envy and hatred. But God spared this family and kept it together—because God keeps his promises.

In our reading today from Genesis 49, Judah, one of Israel’s sons, was named as the main tribe from whom kings would come.

The New Testament also reveals later that Jesus is “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). He is the true King whom God promised would come, and he will restore God’s rule of righteousness forever.

Almighty Father, we thank you for sending Jesus, “the Lion of the tribe of Judah,” to save us from chaos and destruction. By his rule, guide us to live for you and to follow your good ways each day of our lives. Amen.