Luke 22:25-26 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.”

It is interesting to see that human nature has been consistent over the millenia. The title of Benefactor is still in use in dictatorships of all political stripes. It’s also interesting to note that even though Jesus had taught on this subject before, the 12 were arguing over who was greatest even here, though they had no idea what a momentous occasion this was. We love power and authority, and all the “perks” we assign to them, not really grasping that there is no true authority without commensurate responsibility, and forgetting the ultimate example of Jesus Christ Himself. He was His own best illustration of this point, as He had to point out to the 12. Paul pointed out that all authority, even political, ultimately comes from God. (Romans 13:1) It follows, then, that anyone rightly exercising authority will be submitted to God as the ultimate authority, and not imagine that their authority is intrinsic to themselves. This point is very important, and it caused Jesus to praise the faith of the Roman centurion who recognized it. (Luke 7:1-9) Christians need to realize that Christ’s authority operates through them (Matthew 28:18-20) and so serve with assurance, but always with the attitude of Jesus Himself. (Philippians 2:5-11)

The whole issue of authority is one I have wrestled with for as long as I’ve been in ministry. I have no problem with serving, but I hesitate to exercise authority! I feel I have grown in this area, but I still have plenty of room for more growth. I am never to mistake authority for privilege, but I must also remember that I’m not to do it all myself. Delegation is extremely important, and failure in that area is an expression of pride, because it says, they can’t do it as well as I could. Even if they can’t, I need to let them participate! Today is a good case in point. I’m not speaking, just interpreting this morning. I need to be listening to what the Lord says through my brother, and not just processing it through my language ability. In the barbecue to follow, I need to supply direction as needed without insisting that things be done my way. I need to rejoice in God’s patience with me, and exercise that same patience toward others. We are all equally in need of His grace!

Father, I do ask Your guidance and anointing on all of today’s activities. I pray that Your will would be done in every detail, and that we would rejoice to be obedient to You. May we worship in spirit and in truth and rejoice to fellowship with one another and with Your Holy Spirit, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!