easter {tuesday}

I was recently at a gathering of leaders for the purpose of strengthening our personal leadership skills. As you might imagine, we covered all of the usual leadership suspects: candor, culture, failure, team. We're all church leaders so we walked away re-committed to leading the best we can for the sake of the kingdom. 

And then I read Mark 1:1-11, this week's Lenten reflection passage. And, I remember Jesus is God's chosen leader. He's radical, and unexpected, and wonderful. 

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Jesus, beloved Son of God, born to lead and love and challenge and care. His leadership is filled with grace and peace and wisdom. And, I think of Jesus as leader, after a few days reflecting on my leadership, and I see the gaps. I strive, and push, and work hard to excel, often with great cost. I'm selfish, and critical, and filled wtih judgement. 

But, Jesus. God's chosen leader demonstrates that kindness and strength are not mutally exclusive. That really, to lead well you simply must love well. 

I just love Jesus. 

This week: Consider the context in which you lead: at work, at school, at home, in church. Ask Jesus to fill your mind and heart with his leadership ways. That you might extend His kingdom in your sphere of influence. 

*originally published in Awana Lent Devotional 2015