2025 Advent Devotion: Day 4

Thursday, December 4

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Isaiah 4:2-6; Acts 1:12-17, 21-26

Positions of leadership come with great responsibility. Whether it is leading an entire nation or heading up one’s local PTO chapter, these roles are important and meaningful. Without leaders, we would probably live amongst constant chaos and turmoil. I attempted to look up a definition of “leader,” and all I came across were over-simplified, superficial meanings. It seems much deeper than that, and I found it easier to describe characteristics of a great leader—so here goes nothing.

Leaders often have a commanding presence, they set an example, they aren’t above stepping in to offer help where needed, and they guide with grace in times of uncertainty. It was easy for me to come up with this list as I reflected on people throughout my life journey who have been effective leaders, and I’m so thankful for that!

We crave leadership. I don’t mean necessarily the position itself, because I know many of us probably have no desire to lead the next PTO bake sale. I mean, on the other hand, the organization, structure, vision, and perseverance that come with having a leader. God actually designed this for us! In Psalm 72, Solomon prays for all the qualities that God desires in those who rule under Him. Those who lead should do so justly and wisely. It should not be lost on us to consistently pray for our leaders to display these qualities and to recognize that the ability to make decisions in such a manner comes from the Lord alone.

In a world where evil is crouching at our doors, it seems to be increasingly challenging to live this just lifestyle. And think about the leaders in our lives, it’s like they live under a microscope—every move is judged and criticized by those who are not in that position. As God’s children, we are called to live differently than the world lives. We have access to the truth and peace that only comes from being in a relationship with the Father. Just like this promise of restoration in Isaiah 4, God was sending us the best example of a leader in His Son, Jesus.

Jesus lived on this earth often misunderstood, scorned, and mocked—sounds like a lot of leaders these days too, doesn’t it? Even one of Jesus’ closest followers, Judas, betrayed Him. But let’s focus our hearts on the example we can see from the rest of Jesus’ disciples as they navigated this challenging situation. When they needed to find a replacement for Judas among this inner circle of Jesus’ followers, they prayed and asked God for guidance through the process (Acts 2:24). Let us seek God’s will for ourselves and pray for God’s guidance and direction for all the leaders in our lives!

We are so close to the truth—God freely gives it to us through the promise of the Holy Spirit. Now, will we commit to it? This Advent season, may our first step be to pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and may our second step be to carry out the work God has called us to do.

Tara Hayes
Coordinator, RN-BSN Program, Instructor of Nursing