2 May 2006

We continue with Baptist theologian Ronald Sider in "Christ and Violence.

To announce Christ's Lordship to the principalities and powers is to tell governments that they are not sovereign. It is to tell them that whether or not they know or acknowledge it, they are subject to the risen Lord Jesus who summons them to do justice, to seek peace, to promote shalom on the earth. It is to tell governments that Jesus Christ, who is one with the Father, is on the side of the poor and that He is at work in history pulling down the rich because of their oppression and neglect of the poor and exalting the lowly. ...to merely witness in a biblical way to the principalities and powers is to engage in dangerous, subversive political activity.

The principalities and powers can be told this news of Reign of the Lord, Jesus, but they do not have to abide by it. In fact, they will not. What is also very important for us to consider is that the followers of Jesus are not demanding that the principalities and powers fall in line with the way we see the world needs to be. They will not! I think we must consider at least two pressing concerns. First, if the church attempts to side with the powers, what is the church giving up?...what is being compromised?...what power is really taking shape? Second, if the powers (government) tries to win over the church, what is the purpose? Is it to make the government follow the rule of the Prince of Peace? I Doubt It!!! Rather, when the powers try to woo the church, it is merely what the powers always do...take over...rule...seduce...overwhelm. The followers of Jesus - Jesus as Lord of All - must maintain a tension so that no power or principality can claim to be the Reign of God. Such a stand as this will be dangerous because the seduction of power is so great it is difficult for any of us to resist it.

Connection: We must keep our eyes and ears open to what the powers and principalities try to do with and to the Reign of Christ, Jesus. I find it to be quite frightening at times. That is when we must always say "No Way!"

Stir up your Power, O God, and deliver us from the temptation to seek the establishment of your Reign among us by turning to the powers of this world. Continue to inspire us to seek the upside down Reign that comes only through the Cross. Amen.