Authority

When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?’ And they argued with one another, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say to us, “Why then did you not believe him?” But if we say, “Of human origin”, we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.’ So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And he said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. ‘What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir”; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him. Matthew 21:23-32

Retired Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller called me after I was elected bishop to invite to come to Tahlequah. It was late fall of 2001, not even two months after 9/11 and the country was in crisis and in mourning. I was honored and accepted immediately. Wilma will always be an authority to me, a wise woman, who faced untold struggles and challenges and still rose above it to be our chief. She held the people together in rough times and brought about a new era of tribal strength and determination. God blesses certain people, despite their gender, race or language, a deep love for the people and great authority in leadership. The ones who stand up to injustice, the ones who do the hard work, the ones who toil in the field are all given the strength they need to face the day.

Loving Creator, you raise up leaders for us

who lead with your heart and your spirit

who care for the people who are crying

and who seek you in their prayers daily.

Too often we think celebrity is a leader

too often we trust the glamour not the heart

often we are shattered by their heartlessness

and we think we have been abandoned by you.

Help us to be deep in prayer at all times

may we lead with your love and compassion

humble enough to always seek your lead

and kind enough to make room for others. Amen.