Here's a bit more about empire and what faithful people can do in the face of its power.
The idea of empire is writ large in the Old Testament. the paradigmatic narrative of Moses begins in empire, that of Pharaoh. Pharaoh fully embodies his empire, ruthlessly placing the needs of production over those of human beings and holding himself accountable to nothings and to no one. But then, so the story goes, Moses and Aaron led the slave community out of the coercive productivity of the empire, and Pharaoh was helpless to hold them. The Exodus narrative reports the limit of the empire in the face of human groan and holy hope. The story speaks of the hope of the slaves, the capacity of YHWH to "get glory," and the pitiful impotence of Pharaoh (Exodus 14:4, 17).
From the Exodus, we do not merely hear of a story of liberation - we are invited into its ever-present availability. For those of us who are not Jewish, it does not mean it is not a story that brings life. Rather, it once again reminds us of the power for life that is handed to us by our God who seeks the welfare of all. That welfare is usually tied up with liberation. Yes, this can be a liberation from internal demons and powers, but it is always a liberation from the powers of the world that operate as though all life must be sacrificed for the sake of the power of the day. We are being told again and again that life is more than the powers of the day attempt to create through their violence and seductive ways. Life out in the Wilderness away from Pharaoh will be a life that breaks the hierarchy of power that is usually in the position of ruler. Instead, the Wilderness will be the homefield for a life where slaves and nobodies can become the fruit of a whole new life together - a community life that binds us together rather than separates.
Connection: That radical journey from Pharaoh's rule and the Wilderness community that is guided into a new life by God is radical it the change of place. It is most radical in the fact that lives change. We do have the capacity to be turned around and see news ways of living together - ways that honor and do not abuse.
O God, when you bind us together it is not always an easy journey. And yet, we know those voices of new life that continue to point us in the direction of your Reign. Inspire us to follow those voices of hope and encouragement. Amen.
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