| Today we continue to look at Egypt as empire and the need for Israel to walk in a different light as they hear this story - Walter Brueggemann from "Texts That Linger, Words That Explode." We may identify two disciplines of resistance that mark the life of Israel in its relation to Egypt. The resistance Israel practices vis-a-vis Egypt is rooted in the most elemental conviction that Yahweh wills otherwise. Yahweh wills otherwise to the state building project that monopolizes labor power, Yahweh wills otherwise to surplus wealth, whereby some live indulgently from the produce of others. Yahweh wills otherwise than the Egyptian socio-theological system. Yahweh engages in counteractivity, and therefore Israel, as subject of Yahweh, must resist. For all of us who turn to this God of liberation, there is another world into which we are invited to move and breathe and live out our lives. There will be no oppressive behavior that insists on stepping on others - no matter what good reason we may give ourselves or the world around us. That is not to be us! We Christians read this liberation story, we, like Israel, are called on board a reality that will not look like every other power - like Egypt. Instead, we are to resist such life and we are given a story to help us go this new way no matter where we live or when we walk through time. The story is to guide us and remind us of something more than the will of the state or the empire or the country. We pray that God's will -will be done. That is a revolutionary statement that really should not become a prayer of the state - unless of course the state or the empire is willing to give up all of its ways in order to be a part of the liberation of all things. Connection: Yahweh wills otherwise. Something to remember in the middle of the way things are going through this day. Bring your life among, O God. Encourage us to lift up the stories of your faithfulness so that as we walk through this day we will continue to recall your promises and your ways and your saving compassion. Amen. |
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