Series Introduction
“What the world needs now, is love sweet love,” the song goes. Absolutely — and yet the world needs more than love. In the West we’re more anxious than ever, feeling the weight of too much choice and measuring our worth by our achievements. It’s a good thing, then, that Jesus brings many, many blessings to a needy world.
Reflection
We sorely need the blessing of power, despite the fact that we tend to be tirelessly suspicious of top-down authority. But Jesus rescues us from our cynicism by showing us a new way to be powerful — or perhaps by resurrecting the proper use of power, rather than leaving us at the mercy of its abuse. His sacrifice of himself for all shows us that power need not be wedded to oppression and exploitation, but humility, grace and love. True power, Jesus shows us, is not about lording it over others but in lifting them up.
In your various spheres of influence, how can you use your power for the good of others?
Prayer
Our loving Father, thank you for showing us the path to true power — not in lording it over others, but in serving them and seeking their good. Help us to walk this path under your right rule over our lives. Amen.