Brueggemann points out some aspects of departure that repeat themselves in biblical stories and - probably all stories of empires.
There is no doubt that the master narrative of departure is the Exodus narrative (Exodus 1 - 15). The characters in that vivid encounter continue to reappear in the many replications of the narrative, always in new circumstances that juxtapose empire to local tradition. There is, of necessity, always Moses, a human agent who summons Israel to a alternative historical reality. There is always Pharaoh, who comes in many guises but who always seeks to reduce this peculiar people to a pawn in the large game of imperial production. And there is always YHWH, the God whose signature command to the empire is, "Let my people go" (Exodus 5:1). Most often the command is, "that they may serve me." Sometimes it is that "they may celebrate a festival to [worship] me." Either way, the summons subverts the empire's claim of ultimacy, reducing it instead to a recalcitrant vassal of YHWH..... The culmination is a great doxology that asserts the abiding rule of YHWH, even over empire: "The Lord will reign forever and ever: (Exodus 15:18).
The trinity of confrontation and departure repeats itself whenever there are people being oppressed by other people and whenever there is word of God helping to set people free. As we look back at these kind of dynamics - even with Babylon - the leading power is the word of God. God longs for a people who will live within a deep relationship with God. That will always mean that they will live a certain kind of life that will not be the way of the empires who are trying to dominate or rule the people. In the case of the Exodus and Babylon, this meant that the people were let go to live that life in another place. In this storytelling that could have to do with the simple fact that conquering empires once took people from their homeland to the land of the conquering power. So, God's people are brought out of Babylon and out of Egypt and led to the promised land. But what about today. What happens when your homeland is the land of the empire and we are called to live in a way that will be contrary to many of the ways things like to be run in the empire. How are we brought out - rescued?
Connection: We need to remember that this is not about a place. It is about the one who claims us and will always lead us to life. It is vital for us to remember: "The Lord will reign forever and ever." In that way, even now and here is where this Reign is to rescue and bring life.
You, O God, already have us moving in a new direction even when we are stuck in what is old and overwhelming. When we remember that it is you alone who Reigns, your Spirit lifts up our lives onto the way of your gentle rule. Thanks be to God. Amen.
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