Jesus Christ is the ultimate leader.
He came at a time when there was much interest among god-fearing pagans in turning to the God of the Jews. The way for these godfearers to be received, welcomed on behalf of God was not clear. Circumcision was one way, or part of it, but that meant a pagan having to fully become a Jew. It would not necessarily bring then to God, though. Even Jews were finding it very tough to obey all the requirements of God but unsure even then whether God accepted 5hem. Christ Jesus came to complete the “great transaction” that would mediate between God and any human, not just Jews. He lived sinless, perfecting obedience to God his Father, and died a death of the lamb of God, sacrificially, on a cross by crucifixion, raised by God from the dead, transaction complete. Now even the pagans who want to turn to God have a way provided for us to be restored to a right relationship of fellowship with God. It is done. Jesus Christ leads both Jews and non-Jews in his provision of this way to turn to God. As such, Jesus is the ultimate leader. All human flesh that finds a need for the living one true God can follow this Jesus into faith and the joy of seeing God work miracles for us, intervening in our world and the Nature around us on our behalf and giving us a Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. (No circumcision in the flesh needed, this is the necessary ‘circumcision’ but it is in the spirit.) Now in receiving Jesus, we become united with this greatest of leaders. The spirit of Jesus Christ takes ownership of us and we become part of the leadership Jesus provides for all humanity. It is an anointing of utterly divine authority. The whole world is compelled to follow, though it refuse and resist like a horse might kick against its rider and master. We must live worthy of this calling and anointing. Yet most of all, we must follow this greatest of all masters. In the words of the hymn writer, Philip Doddridge,
“Tis done, the great transaction’s done
I am my Lord’s and he is mine
He drew me and I followed on
Charmed to confess the voice divine.”
