Jerusalem represented the climatic activities associated with our salvation. The temptations he encountered along the way provided numerous opportunities to shift into a more reactive stance. But the remainder of Luke's gospel describes an unwavering focus toward completing the mission entrusted to him. At a personal level it demands quality attention to owning and following our call lest we become victims of a multitude of claims made on us. On a functional level, it requires careful reflection on our priorities lest we merely react to incessant pressures for our time and energy.
Reactive leaders beg for our attention by holding high the banner of emotionally charged issues.
The challenges of the next few years will ask much of leaders. Proactive leaders hold promise for a church that continues the ministry of Jesus and moves toward the realization of God's reign on earth as it is in heaven. May we have the wisdom and grace to serve as proactive leaders.