Today Today I think Brueggemann steps into a role quite close to prophet. These words may not be easy to hear for us.
Today we may hear a 'kinder and gentler' look at empire -maybe not completely. Again, from "Out of Babylon" by Walter Brueggemann.
It was of course quite possible for some in the sixth century to find positive aspects of the power of Babylon, aspects such as its role as sponsor of international trade or as guarantor of an international order....
Thus we must allow for a sense of ambiguity and complexity about Babylon, because the empire may do good even as it is a devastator. Its reasons for doing good, of course, are never altruistic, but rather seek to further its interests and expand its power. Thus some in the ancient world saw that when Babylon imposed order on lesser states it also acted as their protector - albeit never a disinterested one..... And certainly in our own time, while we may discerningly critique U.S. imperial power, it is obvious that in many parts of the world - notably Eastern Europe - the presence of U.S. imperial power is received affirmatively. Thus any critique of empire (Babylon, Rome, United States) must reckon with such affirmation.
We (our country) do so much good. That is a true statement and it is e that rely on to make ourselves look as though we are a truly benevolent empire. And, we are. And yet, as we see in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, we do not look so pure in regard to our involvement. It was the time Israel spent in Babylon that shaped who the Jews would become. It was a horrible time for some. Then, in the midst of it all and at the end of it all, a people emerged - a people with a new enthusiasm and devotion to the God who they claimed rescued them - like the saving rescue from Egypt. So, is there a bit of an applause for empire? I don't think so. Rather we tell these stories of the work of the empire so that we as God's people will be more deliberate in how we live as God's people in the midst of such self-serving powers. How do we live as a new reality in the middle of one that is a part of what seems to be the endless cycle of self-centered imperial domination?
Connection: In all things, it is necessary to hold onto a critical eye that is shaped by the Good News of the Reign of God. It takes a constant dialogue with that Good News so that we can constantly discern its meaning for the day at hand. It is never an easy journey - but is is always essential.
Even when we cannot see past this day, O God, you enable us to see the way of your Reign so that we do not simply settle for the ways things are going on around us. Shape us with your loving word. Amen.
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