A New Sheriff
It seems like the presidential elections never stop going. Once a new president is elected, the process is started to think about who will replace him or her. The new president is starting to think how he/she can earn four more years. In our local area, we have county commission races getting underway and also in the city. There is a shake-up going on and I’m always a bit nervous when there is a newly elected official in place. Some elected officials understand that they work for their constituents and others seem to let the power and authority swell their ego. Leadership is serving. There is no other kind of leadership. I try to make it a practice of studying the candidates and asking questions that might clarify their position on certain particular issues. Even though we don’t have a “new sheriff”, it’s common to say that there’s a “new sheriff in town when a newly elected leader takes office.
Jeremiah is speaking on behalf of the Lord when he tells of a new “descendant” who is coming to save Judah and Israel. Check this out….
5 “For the time is coming,”
says the Lord,
“when I will raise up a righteous descendant
from King David’s line.
He will be a King who rules with wisdom.
He will do what is just and right throughout the land.
6 And this will be his name:
‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’
In that day Judah will be saved,
and Israel will live in safety. (Jeremiah 23:5-6 NLT)
This is a heads up that Jesus is coming and that this is God’s plan. Jesus didn’t come to be the sheriff – He came to rescue people from their sin. He came to offer access to the Lord. He came and set up the work of the very Spirit of God in our lives. I believe when we accept Jesus as God’s One and ONLY Son, that the very Spirit of God dwells in our heart. His Presence in me changes how I see everything and everyone. I now look through the lens of the Holy Spirit of God Who lives in me.
If I’ve accepted Jesus, then my life should look different in every way because He calls me to love like He loves. He calls me to live like He lives. He calls me to a life of generous, kind, merciful and grace filled life. He’s not the sheriff, but He is in charge of my very life!
Pressing On!
Dwayne