Kingdom Authority

Kingdom Authority
When Jesus began to wash the feet of those he loved, Peter refused. He
would never let his master stoop to such a menial service on his behalf.
It sounds like a statement of humility; in reality it was an act of
veiled pride. Jesus’ service was an affront to Peter’s concept of
authority. If Peter had been the master, he would not have washed feet!

It is an act of submission and service to allow others to serve us. It
recognizes their “kingdom authority” over us.
- Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster

I haven’t any reasonable answer as to why the thought has so heavily
weighed upon me. Nonetheless, it is there. I keep wondering if God is
showing me some item where I excel or if I need to be humbled in my
attitude and in my spirit. This thought that haunts me is about service
for others.

I love Foster’s phrase “kingdom authority.” I like the idea that
Jesus has turned greatness on its ear by making those that serve of
“kingdom influence” and princely heritage. Somehow, when we cut
someone’s grass, make a meal, listen to them talk or even spend
time with them to remove their anxiety; we take on some God given right to humble filled greatness. And the one in receipt of this service is
the one that is in submission.

Many times I aspire to be better than I am which is okay to do. But in
my desire for great achievements, I think I have forgotten that a greater
thing is when I trust God or when I put myself in line to help someone
or when life is enhanced with Godly awareness. None of those things
carry with it a paycheck, but they carry Kingdom value that cannot be
assessed fully until the Father takes final account.

How do you measure greatness? Is it in some human achievement or in a
pail of dirty foot water?