Who’s in charge, here? Scripture to be read on the upcoming weekend reminds the hearers that God is still the Big Guy, whatever we call God. Not the so-called president, not the Court system, not even our elected dog-catchers. This is a call to an alternative life-style: while appreciating all our toys, we’re not really supposed to worship them! Our lives are littered with vain attempts to be relevant, to be in tune with the times, to be beautiful. We pew-sitters are told that God is still in charge, no matter what….
We begin with JEREMIAH 23:1-6, the Prophet’s condemnation of the existing “false shepherds” (those appointed by humans), and a promise that God will raise up a Righteous Branch (Jesus?) to do it correctly. Here is an alternative to business-as-usual: in the New Kingdom, the Old Ways of discrimination and power will be overthrown and the power-less will get equal treatment. How shall we live as God’s People?
COLOSSIANS 1:11-20 is Paul’s reminder to the Church that God’s Power is both sufficient and redeeming: “in (Christ) all things in heaven and on earth were created…whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers…” Can we add those poor in goods, those sleeping under bridges, those hanging around the head-shops? Just as the conquerors in antiquity would move the conquered people to their own land (see the Babylonian Exile), so has the Christ transferred us into a new (and better, more peaceful) Kingdom. Wanna come?
It may seem strange to read about the Crucifixion, LUKE 23:33-43, on the day in which we celebrate the Reign of Christ. But pay attention to the sign: “This is the King of the Jews”. All are called to understand that this Kingship overrides any kings or power brokers or wreckers of the White House who may briefly appear. In this Kingdom the rules are different, each person is appreciated for whomever they are.
“The reign of Christ is the reign of peace. The perennial question for the church is, how do we live faithfully under this reign?” (Mary Eleanor Johns, in FEASTING on the WORD, C 4:29) I won’t say the Pledge of Allegiance: my allegiance is only to God’s Kingdom. I vote. I pay taxes. But I’m trying to be faithful to my Baptismal vows, to let Christ reign in my life. Now, can I meet God’s children as persons of worth?
In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King
Please join us each Tuesday to be confronted by scriptures assigned by the Revised Common Lectionary to the upcoming weekend; at horacebrownking.com
My Blog 
Leave a comment