The proper ways of power

So often professed follower of Jesus want to take charge.  They want to have people listen to them and get-with-the-program.  You might say they want to force their agenda on those around them; because they ‘are correct’.  They think — are convinced — they know whats right and best!

Now I want to think back to my recent discussions on Jeremiah. A prophet who had a close, almost intimate, relationship with God.  God asked Jeremiah to speak to the people, to tell them of their need to clean up their lives. God actually spoke through Jeremiah in many ways; because he told Jeremiah what to say.  And Jeremiah did  a fine job for God.  He did his very best!  He spoke with authority and power.  And the people literally hated Jeremiah.  He was abuse and hunted and lived in fear for his life.  For just doing what God ask of him.  

Now I want you to remember this!  Jeremiah didn’t choose to be God’s messenger.  As a matter of record,he didn’t want to speak for God.  He didn’t think he was old enough, smart enough, or able enough to do what God was asking.  But he did it anyway because God promised to help him do it. 

Now let look at what Jesus tell those who want to be on his team:

…”If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.(Matt. 16:24)

Suffice to say, if you want to be on my team you will have to follow in my lead.  That is, you will be asked to do Jesus ministry Jesus’ way.  But, Jesus didn’t just tell them that, he showed the how.  He walked along side of them every step of the way talking to them, teaching them, modeling for them how to do God’s plan for human living.  Showing them who he was — who God was.  In my humble opinion they got more than they were asked to deny! Jesus and his disciples (students) had a close intimate relationship.  In much the same way as God and Jeremiah did.  

Now, I invite you to compare how Jesus and Jeremiah modeled their God given power and authority.  

Like God in the beginning, they spoke!  No force!  No bullying! Just God’s truth spoken!  Period!  And then Jesus, nailed to the cross,  spread out his arms and silently spoke!  Believe me or not!

We are not told how Jeremiah died!