Thursday, 3 April 2008
As a true idealist, I long for and look for the world to be just and fair. I vehemently resent the tendency among people to discriminate against others merely because they are different. In the world and in the church, I observe the ravages of sexism, racism, classism, and countless other insanities, which dishonor some of God's children on the basis of accidents of nature and status without regard to gifts, character, competency, or even call. When I see these things, I just want to scream.
Because of my disposition regarding justice among humans, I was tempted to skip today's text in favor of something more egalitarian and justice-minded than the injunction for slaves to obey their masters. But upon closer reflection I came to regard the text as a critique of rather than an apology for the injustices and distortions that are inherent in human government. The writer recognized that the Roman persecution of Christians was evil, but reminded the reader to follow in the steps of Christ who confronted the powers of this world with love unto the death while trusting that his vindication was in the hands of God "who judges justly." What matters most in the life of the believer is not the sometimes evil and unjust circumstances that confront us, but rather the faithful and consistent witness for good and God that we maintain in the midst of that injustice. When we do what is right anyway, we proclaim that Christ reigns and that in Christ justice prevails.
On the eve of the 40th anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination, I want to state clearly that the Bible does not require us to relinquish our human rights, to be compliant and complaisant in the face of evil. Indeed, I believe that its teachings provide a mandate to do all within our power to effect just and righteous rule in human government. Still it is good to remember, as our forbears most assuredly knew, that in the midst of injustice here, we can appeal our case to a God whose very name means justice. Martin King understood well the principle that as believers we must always behave honorably so that the message of Christ can be proclaimed in our talk and in our walk. Defeat only comes when we forget who we are.
I won't ask you to sing the hymn, "Once to Every Man and Nation," adapted from a poem by James Russell Lowell. I will simply quote the final stanza, in honor of Dr. King and of all the other great preachers who have quoted over the last 160 years.
Though the cause of evil prosper,
yet the truth alone is strong;
though her portion be the scaffold,
and upon the throne be wrong;
yet that scaffold sways the future,
and behind the dim unknown,
standeth God within the shadow,
keeping watch above his own.
Let us pray:
Grant, O Lord, that we may embody in our relations with others the justice that we seek from others for ourselves. Amen
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