I spent some time, recently, going through some old issues of the White Wing Messenger. I found this great article about, Service Authority by Bishop Randy Howard, and thought that I would share it. It sends a powerful message to those who will hear it: "Jesus came to demonstrate and establish a new authority which would find its legitimacy in service rather than rulership. 'But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many'(Mark 10:42-45).
This authority is in stark contrast to the structures of authority in place in those days as well as currently. The temptation is always present for the Church to adopt the authority systems of the world rather than the service authority exemplified by Christ. Such was the case even with the disciples when they queried, 'Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? And be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?' (vv. 35-38).
This discussion comes prior to Jesus’ explanation of His service authority in contrast to the structures of authority seen in the world. The disciples were certainly influenced by the only power systems they had seen – those of men. Their request was in keeping with what they knew of authority. Their fault was failing to observe and recognize Jesus’ distinctly different approach to acquisition and use of authority. Though they had been with Him, they missed this point entirely.
The Church cannot afford to do the same. Like the disciples, we could be about the Father’s business and miss the authority model given by the Father through His Son, Jesus. If this is the case, the world will only see the image of itself with respect to position and power. This would be regrettable when Jesus has already given the example to demonstrate to the powers of the world the true power of love, humility and service."
This authority is in stark contrast to the structures of authority in place in those days as well as currently. The temptation is always present for the Church to adopt the authority systems of the world rather than the service authority exemplified by Christ. Such was the case even with the disciples when they queried, 'Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? And be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?' (vv. 35-38).
This discussion comes prior to Jesus’ explanation of His service authority in contrast to the structures of authority seen in the world. The disciples were certainly influenced by the only power systems they had seen – those of men. Their request was in keeping with what they knew of authority. Their fault was failing to observe and recognize Jesus’ distinctly different approach to acquisition and use of authority. Though they had been with Him, they missed this point entirely.
The Church cannot afford to do the same. Like the disciples, we could be about the Father’s business and miss the authority model given by the Father through His Son, Jesus. If this is the case, the world will only see the image of itself with respect to position and power. This would be regrettable when Jesus has already given the example to demonstrate to the powers of the world the true power of love, humility and service."
(White Wing Messenger, October 23, 1993 issue).
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