Then the King will say,
“I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever
you did one of these things to
someone overlooked or
ignored, that was me—you did it to me.” (Matthew
25:40 MSG)
The ways of the world are pretty clear. Grab power, if you have the chance. Gather it up.
Protect what you have. And avoid
vulnerability at all costs. It makes
sense. Because the difference between
being powerful and powerless in this world is the difference between success
and failure. Security and
helplessness. Life and death. It’s just how things work, right? But it’s not how God works. Throughout the Bible, God shows us another
way. And this way is not about
power-seeking, power-grabbing and power-protecting. Instead it’s about power resisting. And it requires aligning with the powerless. Even when resisting is dangerous. Even when siding with others increases our
own risks. Even when there’s no
personal, practical benefit.
It’s the pattern of a Creator holding back chaos
to protect new life. It’s the pattern of
choosing an alliance with Hebrew nobodies over Pharoah’s militia. It’s the pattern of laws and prophets
insisting on care for strangers, orphans and poor folks over more advantageous
relationships. It’s the pattern of a
savior turning down a glorious armed revolution. And standing instead alongside the lowest and
least. Even when it meant irritating the
religious establishment. Even when it
meant defying an Empire. Even when it
meant accepting a cross. God aligns so
completely with vulnerable folks that whatever is done to them is done to
God. This is God’s way for the
world. It’s not easy. It’s not risk-free. But it is where God shows up. Will we?
July 1: The Paradox
of Divine Power
John 13:1-5
Seek to serve, not dominate.
The religious establishment is threatening
Jesus’ life. The political powers are
closing in. The stakes have never been
higher in his ministry. So how will he
respond? How will he take back God’s
world? Jesus’ plan startles the
disciples. No weapons. No strategic alliances. No holy lightning
bolts. Just dropping to his knees to
take on the task of a servant. Choosing
vulnerability. Siding with the lowest
and least. What in the world is God up
to?
July 8: Choosing Sides: Impractical Alliances
Exodus 1:8-22
Dare to defy forces of death.
Two ordinary women must choose sides. And their choice will change the entire
Exodus story. Will they align with the
one holding absolute power? Or will they
side with those who can offer absolutely nothing in return? The midwives Shiphrah and Puah make a simple,
impractical choice. They defy Pharoah’s
direct order. They protect the baby boys
of Hebrew women. Just because they knew
and respected God.
July 15: Speaking Dangerous Truths
2 Samuel 12:1-7a Risk confronting injustice.
David is a powerful king. Chosen by God. Anointed to rule a sprawling
kingdom. Commanding a formidable army.
Things seem to be going so very well.
But things have gone so terribly wrong.
And Nathan is called to an unenviable job. He must confront David’s immense power with
truth. Even though there’s no practical
benefit to him. Even though confronting the injustice comes with loneliness,
fear and risk.
July 22: Listening Outside In
Matthew 15:21-28
Recognize good news in unexpected places and people.
It’s an uncomfortable story. A desperate peasant woman pleads for her
child’s healing. And Jesus ignores
her. The disciples insist on a more
forceful send off, but she persists.
She recognizes Jesus as the Son of David--the messiah! In turn, however, he insults her with the
bald prejudice of his place and people.
But the good news resists this corruption. And against all expectation, the words of the
good news fit perfectly in the mouth of the ultimate outsider. For all of us to hear.
