15 December 2006

Today we will once again go at yesterday's text from 1 Peter.

Slaves, accept the authority of your masters with all deference, not only those who are kind and gentle but also those who are harsh. For it is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. (2:18-21)

With a text like this, it is no wonder that slavery was considered a God-given part of our world. In time, though, enough people were able to say no to this kind of world view. It was not to be like this anymore. There could be no reason for the followers of Jesus to support slavery within our societies. We would reject any attempt to justify slavery based on the view of Jesus suffering for others. This passage truly is something we must reconsider...and we must say that reconsidering such a world view is much more in line with the expansiveness of God's gracious Reign in which justice and loving kindness and mercy will prevail over any "order" or hierarchy of peoples. We have "reconsidered" these words and decided to announce that they are antithetical to the good news in our world. World views change and the good news stays constant. I find nothing of good news in this passage except the announcement of what Jesus has done. That announcement is good for all in all times. Therefore, the argument for slavery is lies outside what is acceptable for us. All in Christ have new life. The owners of slaves are the ones who need to be addressed and they may need to hear that following Jesus may mean they suffer for the welfare of those who are being used as objects for the benefit of a few.

Connection: When we follow Christ in this day, we follow along his way. We do not seek ways to have him "work for us." Rather, we pray that Christ will work through us for all.

Come, O Lord Most High, and bring all your people within the great embrace of your grace. And then, help us to turn around and meet and greet and treat all of them as though they are the brothers and sisters you have given to us in Christ, Jesus. Amen.