Today we continue in Brueggemann's chapter "The Scandal and Liberty of Particularity." Now the discussion takes a look at Jerusalem as a "power" and what they do with it. We may register only two footnotes in this parade of totalizing superpowers. First, in the early part of the monarchic period in Jerusalem, emerging in a brief pause from imperial interference, the Davidic-Solomonic regime was not beholden to any external power. And yet the evidence we have, admittedly from a certain (Deuteronomic-prophetic) perspective, is that the Jerusalem regime practiced the same totalizing efforts, surely to be "like all the other nations." Both the relentless prophetic critiques and perhaps especially the Rechabite alternative in Jeremiah 35 indicate that even this regime is no exception to the pattern of hegemonic rule. The oppressed also will become the oppressors if they do not keep fresh in mind the vision of liberty and hopefulness and justice and peace that is usually on their minds when oppressed. This is not merely an observation concerning "powers." It is also a comment about individuals. Power has a way of making itself known through the lives of those who once had no power and now seem to "carry some weight" so to say. Therefore, we must all be aware of the ways groups and individuals and corporate entities can and do so easily turn to the "dark" side and make sure that they keep whatever it is they have - or want to have. We continue to return to Scripture to serve as a reminder of the vision of God's Shalom that is not oppressive and will never be oppressive. And yet, we know that the Scriptures are used by many to shape their own vision of greatness and power. We also have all seen how the argument that someone has been oppressed or was devastated by another group eventually becomes the argument that allows them to devastate others in order to make sure that they will never suffer under any other rule. The problem is, this kind of thinking - even when it is attractive to other powers of the day - continues the cycle of oppression. Even the once beaten down will beat down others to have life as they want it. Connection: The journey of the Reign of God is one that is meant to keep in our minds the fresh and liberating vision of God that does not seek to dominate or oppress or simply overcome others. It is a daily task for each of us in our ordinary days. Continue to abide with us, O God, as we cannot turn to you except by the power of your Spirit that will always attempt to pull us into your Reign even as we look to be secure in the face other powers all around us. Amen. |
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