The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast. (Rev. 13:3)
I scrolled through the article on my phone furiously, looking for any clue or warning I could find that would explain why this had happened yet again. Reading headlines about leaders caught living secretive and harmful lives is concerning, to say the least, but when the main character of the story is a Christian leader, the news lands with a bigger impact. How is their church recovering? How is the global church going to be affected by this? What will nonbelievers say about us now? Why would they turn to a God who lets this happen? These are my questions, and maybe yours are similar.
When leaders have worldly power, it often draws our attention to them. These big personalities bring in the crowds and appear to be successful, but often it does not last very long. Eventually, the foundation cracks and the truth begins spilling out.
However, when we see leaders walking in the Spirit’s power, it always points us to Jesus. This kind of power is one of love, humility, service, and taking responsibility for the faith of others. Those character traits may not draw the crowds, but they are the description of Jesus Christ, who we are called to be like. In Revelation, we are reminded that worldly power is only temporary, but power in the Spirit will last for eternity.
Ask the Spirit to help you point people to Jesus today.
Heather Mazellan is a student at Wesley Seminary, thankful wife, and joyful mother to three kids.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
