While reading through Foster's words on submission I found myself focusing on the idea of a "cross-life" and directed toward Jesus' model of this cross-life in John 13 when he submits and loves his 12 closes followers by washing their feet.
'Christ not only died a "cross-death," he lived a "cross-life."' (115)
"The cross-life is the life of voluntary submission. The cross-life is the life of freely accepted servant hood." (116)
I love, LOVE the comment Foster made about a cross-life being "a posture obligatory upon all Christians" on page 117. What a sharp remind for myself that a cross-life is not just a thought, idea, or statement to be made, it is a posture to be adopted, learned, understood, and practiced. In my practice and adventures with submission, lets just say I have only yet begun to dabble in a cross-life.
And then I look to the end of the chapter as Foster spoke of "spiritual authority is marked by both compassion and power." (124) The last few pages devoted to his discussion of spiritual authority followed by examples of modern day situations we might see in our every day lives caused a John 13 siren, bells and whistles, the whole sha-bang! to fire in my brain.
Listen to the words of our God in the flesh modeling a cross-life, posture of submission in a place of spiritual authority,
"Having loved his own who were in the world,
he now showed them the full extent of his love...
'Do you understand what I have done for you?' he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord" and rightly so, for that I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet. I have set you and example that you should do as I have done for you."
John 13:1,12-15
Foster alongside Jesus example helped me begin to unearth an idea about submission that I have heard for years now in ministry. Jennifer, you can't live above those you serve. I hear the voice of my all knowing Creator inviting me down to my knees. Gently removing my outer garments, placing the water, basin and towel in front of my and calling me to submit my life. Calling me to live a cross-life right now.
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ReplyDeleteJenn, I loved your post! God really spoke to me through Fosters concept of Cross-life. The cross-life has really been coming up a lot in the last few days. I love Fosters comparison of how we are to follow the example of Christ, deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and summit to a cross-death in order to live the cross-life here and now. So great! This concept has been so impactful and I loved reading the way it has impacted you. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post Jen. You helped focus my thoughts on the submission chapter. I appreciate that. When I've studied the gospels I'm always struck as to how "attractive" Jesus was to folks - especially folks who were a cut below morally and socially. Your post reminds me of the same discovery I make each time I meditate or prepare a study in the gospels. The discovery is this: each time Jesus hung out with someone they saw in his eyes and heart a willingness to deny himself and take up their cross. His "charisma" was an incredibly deep, powerful compassion that he carried on him like a fragrance. Like Reid and I sing in the office I think deep in their minds and souls when people met Jesus they sang that Subaru ad - "OH HIT ME THIS IS POWERFUL STUFF!" Taking up someone's cross is powerful stuff. It is also profoundly attractive and the fuel that drives relational ministry.
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