Thoughts On Kings, Wannabes and Leadership

It's been interesting listening to King Charles and President Trump during the King's recent visit. In his address to Congress, King Charles referenced the Magna Carta. Not M.A.G.A. but MAGNA. The Magna Carta states that even, "Kings must answer to the law." I wonder how that resonated with our president and other leaders?

So, who's in charge? A democracy isn't governed by whims, loopholes, or texts. Like "no need for approval from Congress to wage war on Iran..." Meanwhile, King Charles reminded us of our role. "The USA is the citadel of democracy, created to represent the voice of all American people to advance sacred rights and freedoms." (quoted in post by Heather Cox Richardson 4/29/26)

Well, I'm deeply troubled over President Trump's need to start wars, destroy relationships, spread fear, demolish the East Wing of the White House, slap his name on buildings, and market a God Bless the U.S.A. Bible (for $59.99). Make no mistake, some current decisions move us away from, not towards God, no matter how much God-talk gets tossed into the messaging. Evil is still evil. Thus, some leaders and orders are not worth following.

So who is worthy? A few days ago, Harold Myra in his One Year Book of Encouragement, reminded us how Jesus led. It was the April 30th reading, entitled, "HAVING ULTIMATE POWER, HE...". The title comes from John 13:1-15. "Jesus, knowing that the father had given all things into his hands..." Then, the author asks, "How do we expect that sentence to finish?

"Ultimate power" is capable of usefulness or abuse. Throughout history and today, abuses show in some areas of politics, religion, business, military and sex. So, how did Jesus answer the question of "having ultimate power, He..."? Jesus did the unthinkable. "He took a towel and girded himself...and began to wash the disciples' feet." (John 13)

Jesus doesn't order a monument built in his honor, like some personal Arc de Triomphe. Instead, Jesus reaches for a towel, not tributes. Then Jesus says to his disciples and us, "I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you." (John 13:15,NLT)

Holy help! That's some hard core squatting and serving. And that's some grace based love for unlovable folks, like me, you and them. But it's our calling, as Christ followers, to be willing to kneel, not for crowning, but serving. The theology behind the towel is risky.

So, I wonder, how risk averse am I? You? Serving isn't for sissies. Squatting to serve is tough on more than knees. So, imagine joining Jesus and history's faithful line of servant-hearted men and women, armed with God's Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. Remember, Jericho's walls crumbled with marchers blasting trumpets and tunes. (Joshua 6) Why not towels and tunes to destroy some walls between us and others? Do we dare to grab a towel, serve and sing somehow?

Thought you might.

So, know any songs good for washing feet? Or marching feet?