20 April 2006

More on principalities and powers by Ronald Sider in "Christ and Violence."

In spite of the pervasive evil that he perceived in the principalities and powers, Paul insisted that they were no innately evil. The principalities and powers are a part of the good creation: "For in him (Christ) all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities (powers) - all thing were created through him and for him" (Colossians 1:16). If the principalities and powers are part of the good creation, it would seem to follow that power itself is not evil. It is only when power is used for an evil purpose or when the methods used are not compatible with the methods of Jesus' kingdom that the Christian must say no to power.

This is why we pray for those in government as we gather in worship and offer up the prayers of the Church. We want them to be empowered and directed by the Lord of Creation. We want them to be corrected if they have gone astray. We want them to seek the good when they have gone bad. In other words, we want them to be a blessing to all people so that injustice will not prevail and violence will not be the way of our lives. Even within the worst situations, the powers are to be included in our prayers and we are to seek the good working of those powers for the welfare of all. But...when they led us along evil ways - we must resist even if at cost to us. This is where it is so important for the Church to look after the welfare of all people and not simply one's own people. When the powers act in a evil way, remember that doesn't mean only if they treat me badly. It includes how the powers act among other powers in the world. Sometimes it appears as though the church only knows how to whine when the powers are corrupt or evil. It is as though we whine until we are given some power ourselves. And yet, when we are called to resist the principalities and powers, it is with our life and that can mean that for the welfare of all, we stand our ground until the powers work to benefit and protect all and not merely some. Few go that far in resistance.

Connection: At all times, pray for those in power in our world and every aspect of our world. And the, in the meantime, watch what is taking place around us and who seems to be brought in and who seems to be left out. This will give us all a bit of a picture as to what the powers are doing and not doing.

We are blessed in so many ways by the powers that are in place to protect and serve your people. We ask, O Lord, that we will become bold when the powers around us begin to act contrary to the vision of your blessed Reign. When that happens, give us the courage to stand and speak and continue to walk within your Reign today. Amen.