5 May 2005

A look at the crucifixion from Walter Brueggemann in "The Prophetic Imagination."

The crucifixion...is...the full expression of dismantling that has been practiced and insisted upon in the prophetic tradition since Moses confronted Pharaoh. As with Moses, so Jesus' ministry and death opposed the politics of oppression with the politics of justice and compassion. As with Moses, so Jesus' ministry and death resisted the economics of affluence and called for the economics of shared humanity. As with Moses, so Jesus' ministry and death contradicted the religion of God's captivity with the freedom of God to bring life where he will, even in the face of death.

God brings freedom and brings it even when we would rather have things go the way they are going. Freedom, for all the many ways we say we love it, does not suit people who can only see one side of a coin or an issue or situation. To only see one side means the other side does not exist...since we can't see it. When that side does show its face, it is easy to reject it or try to put a stop to it. The Freedom that comes within the Good News of the Reign of God is much more than we ever hope to have. It is a freedom that truly sets us free from all the powers that want so much to have the world run in just one way...from one side...with one viewpoint. Sometimes, those who want to have a country or church or business run according to one side - even if it is a majority - do not realize how closely they come to being oppressive and really dismantle the whole notion of freedom.

Connection: Do not be afraid to see and hear what is on the other side of the coin. Most importantly, remember that though there will be different views and people different from us, they are still people who deserve to have a voice and be honored and not destroyed or discounted.

Liberating God, when we do not see the obvious works of oppression, we forget that oppression is most often subtle and yet very powerful in our lives. Liberate us and bring us leaders like Moses who needed as much help as you were able to give him to help lead Israel into the grand potential for life as a free people. Amen.