The integrity of Jesus as a leader is an amazing thing to watch. As I have been thinking about this issue of authority for the last couple of weeks what I continue to return to is how does Jesus use his authority. The source of that authority comes day by day and not in presuming on His identity. Constantly we see him in prayer and frequently that time of prayer allows him to respond to others in a way that shows his independence and integrity.
When the crowds desire him to do their bidding, Jesus is willing to let several thousand walk away disappointed because the Father had not commanded him to do something. He isn't being difficult, and he isn't asserting his independence, he is simply listening to one voice alone to direct his steps and in that he frequently disturbs people. At times we see the loneliness of Jesus and I only mean that in the sense of being apart from the crowd, He was never alone because He was constantly abiding in the Father. It is lonely sometimes to walk alone in obedience.
Jesus' integrity as a leader is based in His abiding. It allows Him to praise Peter for his confession of Jesus and then to immediately rebuke him. He is able to do both these things for the same reason, He is attempting to please that audience of One. That allows Him to maintain integrity before men, not being inconsistent in any way, because all is done for the glory of the Father. That which is in alignment with that aim is praised and that which is out of alignment is rebuked, no matter who it hurts. I realize that I spend more time trying to please people than trying to please God and you would think that after 40+ years of trying and failing I would get it right.
No comments:
Post a Comment