Today we will continue with Walter Brueggemann look at the words of hope and encouragement for the exiles under the domination of Babylon. ....this sacramental practice of distinctiveness in the Priestly tradition has as its counterpoint a much more dynamic, promissory tradition in the poetry of Isaiah 40 - 55. Whereas the Priestly material makes the case for distinctiveness in a rather static way, the Isaiah poetry calls Israel to enact a transformed life in the world. Thus the gospel announcement of Yahweh's new governance surges in upon Israel, creating a new social possibility for homecoming and a new ground for communal joy: "O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, 'Here is your God." (Isaiah 40:9) "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'" (Isaiah 52:7) In these twin assertions , the power of Babylon is said to be broken. Babylonian gods are defeated. Babylonian power is overcome. Babylonian futures are nullified. Babylonian definitions of reality are overthrown. Here we enter into a new ball game. God's people are not just to be distinctive. We are to be the beginning of a life that is not at all under the realm of the powers - in Isaiah's case, Babylon. What is most interesting is that if you would look at a mapping of world history, Israel was still under the domination of the powers. And yet, the encouragement is to live in an alternate reality in which God's people will live in a way that brings a new life right in the middle of all the rest of life around them. Like these people of Israel, we are told another story - another picture is drawn of the way things are going in the world - another path is put to light and we are invited to go there, be there, live there - Now! Salvation is the life that comes alive in these kind of contexts. We are redeemed and liberated even when the world thinks it has us by the throat. Connection: This is not an easy way to go. It is even more difficult when we try to do it alone. It really does take being a part of a people in order to live within a vision. Pull us into your Reign, O God. It is so easy to think we are only to live as the world around us dictates. Let your Spirit of life grab us and lead us. Amen. |
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