Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one. “Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.” But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury. For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.” The king proclaims the Lord’s decree: “The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your Father. Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession. You will break them with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.’” Now then, you kings, act wisely! Be warned, you rulers of the earth! Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities— for his anger flares up in an instant. But what joy for all who take refuge in him!
Psalm 2

Dear God, I don’t know if this has anything to do with this passage, but as I read it I was just thinking about how we are all so divided. Not only nation against nation, but within the nations there is conflict between political parties, churches, families, etc. frankly, I’m not sure what it would look like for us to all be on the same page, working together towards a common purpose. It seems that the best way to unite a group is to give us a common enemy. Maybe that is why political leaders naturally vilify their opponents. That’s the best way to galvanize their own support.

So what does unifying leadership really look like? I suppose it looks like Jesus. It looks like selling grace/mercy/freedom instead of power/judgment/fear. Some pastors even try to lead through fear. I’ve had two young men come to our clinic in the last six months, each of them terrified of the tribulation. They had been listening to pastors that lead through fear.

Maybe the problem with leading with love and mercy is that it tends to attract but not galvanize. People get comfortable and then they get lazy. Is it our sinful nature that needs that extra motivation to work and stay together? Even now, is there any part of my discipline of sitting here and praying to you that is driven by fear, or is it simply pursuit of you?

Father, whether I am leading with my family, my work, my community, or wherever, help me to lead with mercy and joy. Help me to allow the fruits of the Spirit to flow out of me. I want to be a source of your kingdom coming to earth and your will being done here as it is in Heaven.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen