Hi everyone,
This Sunday we are halfway through our sojourn in the book of Revelation. In the first week we were introduced to this wild piece of writing that behaves more like a vivid dream than any waking way of behaving. And last week Julie explored the nature of apocalyptic literature. She kept saying “bing!” and pointing out how images and characters within the wild stories of Revelation would have resonated with either real people in the world of the original readers or key stories within their faith. “Bing!” does this ring a bell?
And this Sunday, through the messages to the angels of the churches, we will explore how to navigate a faithful life amid empire.
It has long been said that we are called to be “in the world but not of the world.” In empire but not of it. This comes from Jesus’ prayer in the 17th chapter of the gospel of John. But it points to a distinction that we all must face. How do we live in the world as it is if the values of that world conflict with the core values and beliefs of our faith? How do we navigate the world of competition when we believe in a cooperative Kingdom of God? How do we stand for “the least of these” when the economy and the culture support “the greatest of these?” How do we live for others in a world set up for everyone to fend for ourselves?
These are not new questions. Some have said we must separate ourselves from the world. Think Hutterites and hermits. Some have given over to the values of the world- if you can’t beat them, join them. Think prosperity gospel. Most of us are somewhere in between, doing our best to live faithfully, making hard choices, compromising, creating alternative ways.
Let’s gather on Sunday, sing our faith, pray for wisdom, and try to untangle this puzzling question. See what the spirit is saying to the church. See if Revelation reveals.
Blessings, Will