Daily Devotional 9.25.11

Leader of the File

“Behold, I have given him for a Witness to the people; a Leader and Commander to the people.” (Isaiah 55:4)

Four times in the New Testament our Lord is called Leader or Prince.

Originally the word means the First of a file of men, and therefore their Captain or Commanding Officer (see Acts 3:15; Acts 5:31; Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 12:2).

Christ leads from death into Life. Probably Joshua was the first to pass over the dried bed of the Jordan, as the priests stood by bearing the Ark of the Covenant; but this, at least is true, that our Saviour has preceded us through the waters of death, and will hold them back until each of the ransomed has passed “clean over” (Joshua 3:17).

Christ leads His followers into victory. When our Lord was exalted to the right hand of power, He opened up a path to be trodden throughout the ages by a company which no man can number. As He overcame, we may overcome; as He reigns over all principality and power, so we believe that He will bruise Satan under our feet, and make us more than conquerors.

Christ leads those who suffer to perfection. Though He was the Son of God, He learned obedience by the things that He suffered, and transformed suffering, showing that it was an elembic, a purifying furnace, a means of discipline, strength, and ennoblement. If we are thrust into the fiery furnace we shall find the Son of God walking at our side, and shall emerge without our bonds, and with no smell of fire upon us. Jesus is the Leader of a long procession of martyrs and sufferers. He leads through no darker rooms than He went through before; He knows exactly how much we can bear, and will not test us beyond our strength. He is with us “all the days,” and will help us to learn obedience, faith, and hope, as we follow in His footsteps.

Devotional Prayer

Dear Lord, Father in heaven hear my prayer.

Lord, whose way is perfect, help me always to trust in Thy goodness: that walking with Thee and following Thee in all simplicity, I may possess a quiet and content mind; and may cast all my care on Thee, for Thou cares dearly for me.

I pray this to you in Jesus name, Amen.