1 May 2006

In addition to "living out the full reality of Jesus' new community" as a political action in and of itself, Ronald Sider also add this from "Christ and Violence."

Equally political is the proclamation that Jesus Christ is Lord. Ephesians 6:10-20 makes it clear that in the battle with the principalities and powers, we are to fight with the gospel, with truth, and with the word of God. It is central to the biblical word that precisely the One whom the principalities and powers crucified (1 Corinthians 2:8) is now their Lord and Master. The risen Jesus is Lord of the world as well as the church.

Now I must insist that we do not read this last sentence as though we are to be people who try to control the world governments by "making them Christian." That is one of the moves made by religious powers that do not want to follow Jesus to the cross...they want to use the cross to gain power in a power-full world. Rather, I would submit that we become instruments of peace and justice so that no person is ever outside the realm of God's love. This may mean that we resist the powers and principalities when they attempt to divide us so that our lives have to be lived separated from one another in many and various ways. The principalities and powers - even religious ones - work in the realm of separation. When we see that happening...when any power attempts to separate in order to build power...or maintain power over others...or subvert the well-being of all people in order to establish a rule that lives on biases and prejudice, stand up and say "no"...even if we say it silently. That is the beginning of the kind of resistance that comes within the Reign of Jesus, our Lord.

Connection: It may be difficult to say "No" or to resist powers that are draped in the language of religion...but today is as good as any other day to give it a try.

Lord of our Life, encourage us that we will follow you through your gracious Reign that runs through this day and incorporates the ordinary so that it becomes a part of the blessed life you have promised. Amen.