The Arrogance of Authority
In a recent email I received, I was reminded of the arrogance of the Temple leaders in Jesus' time and the reason they wanted Jesus dead. Those leaders were uncomfortable with His Truth, protective of their power, liked living in their cocoons, and did not want to lose their luxurious position. In short, they arrogantly used their authority to protect themselves and their position. But, as in most cases, it did not last.
Just today as I write this new evidence was found of the Roman siege and destruction of the Temple in 66 to 70 AD. It was a most gruesome time, and the Temple leaders, the Sadducee's were never heard from again. It is food thought for people of our day in positions of authority.
Here is the great email story that prompted this reflection:
Just today as I write this new evidence was found of the Roman siege and destruction of the Temple in 66 to 70 AD. It was a most gruesome time, and the Temple leaders, the Sadducee's were never heard from again. It is food thought for people of our day in positions of authority.
Here is the great email story that prompted this reflection:
A DEA officer stopped at a ranch in Texas, and talked with an old
rancher. He told the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for illegally
grown drugs."
The rancher said, "Okay, but don't go in that field over there.....," as he pointed out a distant location.
The DEA officer verbally exploded, saying, " Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me!" Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removed his badge and proudly displayed it to the rancher.
"See this badge? This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish....on ANY land! No questions asked or answers given! Have I made myself clear? Do you understand?"
The rancher nodded politely, apologized, and went about his chores. A short time later, the old rancher heard loud screams, looked up and saw the DEA officer running for his life, being chased by the rancher's enormous Santa Gertrudis bull......
The rancher said, "Okay, but don't go in that field over there.....," as he pointed out a distant location.
The DEA officer verbally exploded, saying, " Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me!" Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removed his badge and proudly displayed it to the rancher.
"See this badge? This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish....on ANY land! No questions asked or answers given! Have I made myself clear? Do you understand?"
The rancher nodded politely, apologized, and went about his chores. A short time later, the old rancher heard loud screams, looked up and saw the DEA officer running for his life, being chased by the rancher's enormous Santa Gertrudis bull......
With every step the bull was gaining ground on the officer, and it seemed likely that the officer would be gruesomely gored before he reached safety. The man was clearly terrified.
The rancher threw down his tools, ran to the fence and yelled at the top of his lungs.....
(I just love this part....)
"Your badge........ show him your BADGE!!"
Good leaders have found that sometimes asking the right questions is better than a display of their authority.
Maybe I should send this to some people in Washington. I like to think the voting bulls of America are on the rise.
lonnie
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ldcoggins@gmail.
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lonnie
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