Bricks or Stones?
We know the story how Joseph through the wisdom of God, saved Egypt and the house of Israel. In the course of time, Joseph died, but the Israelites "were fruitful and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them."
A NEW DYNASTY
In time, there arose a king that 'knew not Joseph'. Most commentators acknowledge that this 'king', was a new kingdom or dynasty which arose in Egypt. That is, a new administration took charge of Egypt. It also is likely that this new dynasty knew of Joseph, they simply did not have personal knowledge of the benefits of Joseph's ministry and life. They had heard the story of Joseph, but His life had not personally touched them, as it had the previous administration. It is also likely, that this new administration, feared the Israelites because of their favorable status with the previous kingdom. For this reason, the need to subjugate them arose.
As it was for the children of Israel, so it is for the Church. When the original apostolic administration had passed, a new dynasty arose in the Church. It is a dynasty that forgot the benefits of and the order set by Jesus. They knew the stories concerning him, but failed to carry forth the traditions and blessings established by Jesus. A new management staff took charge of the Church which ignored the true ministry of Jesus and the role of leadership which He established.
This new dynasty, taking the throne by A.D. 325 in the form of Gentile/Western-Roman Christianity, was founded more in a hierarchy of rulers, instead of continuing the original pattern of leading the flock of God by example. This is evidenced by the fact that this new administration in the Church, consciously cut all ties with and attempted to eradicate any semblance of influence of the previous administration. In plain language, this new influence in the Church, for the most part, purged itself of any of its former Hebraic influences. This purging of the Church of its Jewish root, is another whole writing of itself.
Jesus knew the difference between the two methods of leadership. In Matthew, we have the account of how the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came and requested that her sons sit with Jesus in his kingdom. After answering her, the other ten were moved with indignation, which was evidence of a jealous spirit, which has no place in a shepherd's heart. Jesus then began to instruct his disciples in the method of leadership, that he expected from them. He said,
Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you; but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister. And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant; Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Here, Jesus sets forth the contrast between the two attitudes of leadership. The practice of the Gentiles was to exercise a lordship over the people. The practice of the Messiah and his apostolic shepherds, was to lead by serving; to lead by example. This is what Jesus is pointing out to them. He did not come to be served, but to serve. This was the point of the act of His washing the feet of the disciples. In this, He was not instituting foot-washing as an ordinance of the Church as some believe, but was giving them an example of what He had taught them in word. He was teaching them greatness through humility and service. And if He, the Word of God in flesh, the Messiah of Israel, came to lead by serving, then it is imperative that those following him, do the same.
Subject Matter
- A New Dynasty
- God's Methodolgy: Rulers or Leader?
- Spirit of the Taskmaster
- God Deals In Stones
- Living Stones: A Spiritual House
The remainder of this study is included in my book Redigging The Wells Of Our Fathers in the chapter A New Administration. Get It Here
