sermon excerpts: "Absolute Power"

... Authority is what is emphasized in the gospel lesson today, Christ’s authority. ... Recalling the phrase that “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” We witnessed the backlash against alleged cronyism, misconduct and dishonesty. Not only in the Liberal party of Canada, but in the Fatah party of Palestine. It’s a universal and eternal problem, going as far back as the priest Eli and his sons, even King David was not immune.

Jesus, by contrast, has dominion over all. It would have been quite easy to bring all the powers and principalities of the world into line. We know how Jesus remained untainted despite the temptations to do otherwise. This quality shines through in all he did. His incorruptibility, his loyalty to the truth, service to all, bringing everyone regardless of status to God’s love and doing the right, and often difficult, thing.

Having assembled his leadership team, Jesus enters into the public consciousness when he goes to the synagogue on that sabbath Saturday so long ago. He speaks and teaches. He heals and astounds. Jesus’ fame spreads. His compelling leadership in the synagogue, his command of all powers on earth and beyond. We get a glimpse that everyone is drawn to his power, even his enemies; quite visibly demonstrated in the casting out of the unclean spirit.

The people marvelled: A new teaching - with authority! How novel. Where does authority come from? It’s a stark contrast to the scribes in the temple and how they presented their messages. Maybe they didn’t believe what they were saying, or fully understand what they were saying, or they weren’t connecting with the people, for whatever reason, these men (and they would have all been men at that time) couldn’t muster any sense of urgency or authority.

All the leadership theory that I’ve studied lately says authority is given by those being led or taught. Authenticity, experience and reputation, all contribute to the building of authority. Jesus had none of them really. No one really knew him, he was from a small nowhere town and still, we have this moment in the Temple. That even demons would recognize Jesus is a powerful indicator.

No Jesus didn’t have authority in the traditional sense, that is, conferred upon him by the general public. In this case, Jesus had it contained within himself. He knew within himself that he had the power, the vision and courage to fulfill his ministry. He didn’t need approval from anyone else as long as he was in accord with God’s will. ... Although maybe the word “authority” isn’t the best one for the situation.

My course work also suggests that authority is what is used to keep things the same. Leadership is what is needed to change things for the better. Authority relies on built in power structures and traditions to settle arguments, quell uprisings and keep things on course.

Leadership that goes out of the box, dares to imagine new ways of being and risks the setbacks and failed attempts, is what will move an organization or a people into a new and better place. It is not without struggle, as we think of Moses or David or Jesus.

There will come a time when the problems we face will require skills and ideas that are not currently in our toolbox, competencies that are not part of repetoire. When we recognize this to be the case, the authority that the world gives us will not help. It is then that we must look within to the truths and convictions that we hold for guidance and authority that comes from God.

It is not a coincidence that “authority” and “author” share the same root word. We are the creators and writers of our actions and reactions. We are not pawns in a spiritual war of good and evil, we have an active part to play. When we find the truth that lay within each of us and express it in a community of support and discernment such as this congregation that is here, we move that much closer to Christ’s life on this earth. Let us then write our story together, with God’s grace and the Spirit’s call. Amen.