Prophetic Imagination
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Greeting:
Good Morning
My name is Joe Kraftchick and I’m happy to be here this morning with the opportunity to share.
Introduction:
I was thinking this week about how we wind up in the places and posits we find ourselves in
Good Morning
My name is Joe Kraftchick and I’m happy to be here with you this morning
Introduction:
What is it that brings us to this point and to this place?
· I was thinking this week about how we wind up in the places and positions we find ourselves in
Sometimes I find preparing for a sermon something that comes naturally, the words and ideas begin to flow and pour onto the page.
Sometimes it doesn’t work that way.
· What is it that brings us to this point and to this place?
I spent a lot of my preparation time this week; sitting, thinking, and reading.
· Sometimes I find preparing for a sermon something that comes naturally, the words and ideas begin to flow and pour onto the page.
Sometimes I find preparing for a sermon something that comes naturally, the words and ideas begin to flow and pour onto the page.
It was a stretch of several days where I just wasn’t sure what I had to say.
· Sometimes it doesn’t work that way.
I was searching for something, but I wasn’t totally sure what
· I spent a lot of my preparation time this week; sitting, thinking, and reading.
· It was a stretch of several days where I just wasn’t sure what I had to say.
There were some ideas and themes going through my mind but nothing solid I could latch on to or that felt like I could draw out.
· I was searching for something, but I wasn’t totally sure what
I was starting to feel like I’d just kind of run out of things to say.
Which led me to take a step back and get a wider view of things
· There were some ideas and themes going through my mind but nothing solid I could latch on to or that felt like I could draw out.
What am I doing, where am I going?
· I was starting to feel like I’d just kind of run out of things to say.
· Which led me to take a step back and get a wider view of thins
I wish I could say that I had a blaring epiphany and the clouds and fog of my mind cleared leading me to a glorious creative experience
Alas, it did not work that way. Instead I continued to muddle my way through the fog and gather some thoughts that I’m loosely assembling about vision, direction, and purpose
· What am I doing, where am I going?
This may be a bit of a different message from me this morning
· I wish I could say that I had a blaring epiphany and the clouds and fog of my mind cleared leading me to a glorious creative experience
Inspiration, Direction
· Alas, it did not work that way. Instead I continued to muddle my way through the fog and gather some thoughts that I’m loosely assembling about vision, direction, and purpose
So, where to begin?
Moses?
Those of you that have been here before when I have spoken will be entirely unsurprised that I found myself in the OT
The Old Testament and its stories are one of my comforts and the place I turn for inspiration.
· So, where to begin?
Often when I’m feeling lost I will turn to people much smarter than me for help inspiration.
· Those of you that have been here before when I have spoken will be entirely unsurprised that I found myself in the OT
This week I picked up a book I first read in my undergrad at CBC, and have read a couple times since.
· The Old Testament and its stories are one of my comforts and the place I turn for inspiration.
The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann, is one of my favourite books of all-time and probably the most influential book I have ever read about the Old Testament.
· Often when I’m feeling lost I will turn to people much smarter than me for help inspiration.
· This week I picked up a book I first read in my undergrad at CBC, and have read a couple times since.
I’d be remiss not to mention the book this morning as it guided me on a lot of what I will touch on today.
· The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann, is one of my favourite books of all-time and probably the most influential book I have ever read about the Old Testament.
Moses and a new way of doing things.
I’ll invite you now to turn to Exodus, I want to spend some time talking about Moses. I don’t have a central text to work off of here. Feel free to bounce around with me.
· I’d be remiss not to mention the book this morning as it guided me on a lot of what I will touch on today.
Most of us are familiar with the story of Moses and the details of his life, born in Egypt, miraculously spared death as an infant, flees to Midian, meets God at the burning bush, and is sent to free his people from slavery in Egypt
Now the great thing about the Old Testament is that on the surface we read a story like this and wonder what relevance it holds for us today.
· I’ll invite you now to turn to Exodus, somewhere around chapter 5
Seriously, it’s a story about liberating an enslaved people from an oppressive regime.
· Most of us are familiar with the story of Moses and the details of his life, born in Egypt, miraculously spared death as an infant, flees to Midian, meets God at the burning bush, and is sent to free his people from slavery in Egypt
· Now the great thing about the Old Testament is that on the surface what relevance does the story of Moses hold for us today?
At first glance the story has nothing to do with us, while a closer reading and scraping below the surface reveals that it has everything to do with us.
This is a story about liberating slaves from bondage, which we might find it hard to personally identify with.
· Seriously, it’s a story about liberating an enslaved people from an oppressive regime.
It’s also a story about speaking and acting against the religion of static triumphalism, that is the belief in the system of Egypt where the many gods legitimize the reign and authority of Pharaoh
· At first glance the story has nothing to do with us, while a closer reading and scraping below the surface reveals that it has everything to do with us.
So it is the rallying against and tearing down of not just Pharaoh but of the system that enables Pharaoh to be Pharaoh…This is a big deal
· This is a story about liberating slaves from bondage, which we might find it hard to personally identify with.
In Egypt, Pharaoh is ruler because of the association between the position and the many gods
When Moses and Aaron follow the instructions of Yahweh and usher in the plagues they aren’t doing it for show. They’re doing it to specifically circumvent the dominant religious system in place
Not only is it an attack on this religious triumphalism it is an attack on a political system built on oppression and exploitation
· It’s also a story about speaking and acting against the religion of static triumphalism, that is the belief in the system of Egypt where the many gods legitimize the reign and authority of Pharaoh
· So it is the rallying against and tearing down of not just Pharaoh but of the system that enables Pharaoh to be Pharaoh…This is a big deal
The Egyptian system necessitated the oppression of others so as to protect it’s authority, and the exploitation of others for its economy.
· Not only is it an attack on this religious triumphalism it is an attack on a political system built on oppression and exploitation
Moses being sent to Egypt is Yahweh attacking the religious, political, and economic systems of Egypt.
· They Egyptian system necessitated the oppression of others so as to protect it’s authority, and the exploitation of others for its economy.
None of this should be surprising when we read the Old Testament it is abundantly clear the sort of things Yahweh is concerned with.
· Moses being sent to Egypt is Yahweh attacking the religious, political, and economic systems of Egypt.
Yahweh time and time again sides with the oppressed over the oppressors. He doesn’t favour the powers and systems that be, especially when they exert their position of power and strength over others.
Crying Out
· None of this should be surprising when we read the Old Testament it is abundantly clear the sort of things Yahweh is concerned with.
This affront on Egypt begins with something simple though.
· Yahweh time and time again sides with the oppressed over the oppressors. He doesn’t favour the powers and systems that be, especially when they exert their position of power and strength over others.
It starts with the people crying out to Yahweh from bondage in Egypt
The Hebrew word for this crying out, is za-ak and it’s a funny word. It means cry out and is a claim of misery and wretchedness, but it also carries a legal connotation.
· Even today we should be leery of becoming the systems and powers and how to function in those positions.
To cry out is to lodge a formal complaint, that you have been wronged, and it is a call to be answered.
· This affront on Egypt begins with something simple though, it starts with the people crying out to Yahweh from bondage in Egypt
· The Hebrew word for this crying out, is za-ak and it’s a funny word. It means cry out and is a claim of misery and wretchedness, but it also carries a legal connotation.
The people cry out to Yahweh that they are being wronged, they are literally pleading their case and calling for action
· To cry out is to lodge a formal complaint, that you have been wronged, and it is a call to be answered.
This verb is also famously used when Yahweh interrogates Cain on the whereabouts of Abel in Gen.
You may remember that Yahweh says that Abel’s blood cries out from the ground to him.
· The people cry out to Yahweh that they are being wronged, they are literally pleading their case and calling for action
This is the essence and impact of this particular word.
· This verb is also famously used when Yahweh interrogates Cain on the whereabouts of Abel in Gen.
There is a theme of crying out that exists throughout this story in Exodus
The Israelites cry out to God under the oppression of Pharaoh in 2.23-25
During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.
During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.
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This cry is heard by Yahweh in
And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them.
ex 3.9
· You may remember that Yahweh says that Abel’s blood cries out from the ground to him.
in 5.15 the Israelites cry to Pharaoh when he takes their straw away
Then the Israelite overseers went and appealed to Pharaoh: “Why have you treated your servants this way?
Interesting to note that 5.15 is the last time the people cry out to Pharaoh, they don’t appeal to him anymore, they turn away from the empire and toward Yahweh
· This is the essence and impact of this particular word.
Finally in 11.6 Moses tells Pharaoh that it will be Egypt that cries out after being struck by the plague of the firstborn.
· The Israelites cry out to God under the oppression of Pharaoh in 2.23-25 and it is heard by Yahweh in 3.9, in 5.15 the Israelites cry to Pharaoh when he takes their straw away
There will be loud wailing throughout Egypt—worse than there has ever been or ever will be again.
o Interesting to note that 5.15 is the last time the people cry out to Pharaoh, they don’t appeal to him anymore, they turn away from the empire and toward Yahweh
The crying out begins with Israelites crying out under bondage and there are multiple cries culminating with the cry of the Egyptians after the final plague
· Finally in 11.6 Moses tells Pharaoh that it will be Egypt that cries out after being struck by the plague of the firstborn.
The plagues undermine the religious system of Egypt showing that they cannot match Yahweh. The plague of the firstborn is the final straw and results in the cry of the Egyptians now and the release of the Israelites
The liberation of the Israelites undermines a political system focused on oppression and exploitation of others.
· The crying out has empowered the Israelites and that cry will ultimately turn against Egypt.
This is the action and community that Moses leads, one that ran totally counter to the culture of Egypt, that is the dominant culture of the day.
· The plagues undermine the religious system of Egypt showing that they cannot match Yahweh
· The liberation of the Israelites undermines a political system focused on oppression and exploitation of others.
Through Moses Yahweh created something different, he subverted the existing system with the intention of doing something different.
Moses going to Egypt wasn’t about reforming Egyptian society or transforming it.
· This is the action and community that Moses leads, one that ran totally counter to the culture of Egypt, that is the dominant culture of the day.
Rather the concern and focus was with the undercurrents and systemic issues that made the Egyptian system possible.
The system of triumphalism, oppression, and exploitation by Egypt was intolerable to Yahweh and through Moses the goal was to create a community, country, nation that existed as the counter to this system
It’s worth noting that Egypt isn’t an exception here. They operate as a typical ancient empire would. The uniqueness lies with what Yahweh has called his people to be and live as.
· Through Moses Yahweh created something different.
A New Community
Led by Moses is the establishment of a community that exists in contrast with the dominant culture of the day
· Moses going to Egypt wasn’t about reforming Egyptian society or transforming it. Rather the concern and focus was with the undercurrents and systemic issues that made the Egyptian system possible.
David
It’s intentionally resistant to powerful systems of abundance.
It’s a community marked by a lack of abundance since they are fleeing from Egypt as slaves
· Led by Moses is the establishment of a community that exists in contrast with the dominant culture of the day
It is Yahweh that guides, feeds, and provides for the community post Egypt
· It’s intentionally resistant to powerful systems of abundance.
It’s a community whose system is the Law given them by Yahweh at Sinai
· It’s a community marked by a lack of abundance
· It is Yahweh that guides, feeds, and provides for the community post Egypt
A unique system that is focused on love for others, care for those who cannot care for themselves, concern for justice and mercy
· It’s a community whose system is the Law given them by Yahweh at Sinai
These are not the focal points for other countries and groups
· A unique system that is focused on love for others, care for those who cannot care for themselves, concern for justice and mercy
They are not ruled by a king, instead there is Yahweh
They have the tribal groups each a significant part
· These are not the focal points for other countries and groups
What’s amazing is that this revolution led by Moses at the hand of Yahweh allowed for the creation of this alternative social reality
· They are not ruled by a king, instead there is Yahweh
· They have the tribal groups each a significant part
This social reality was the alternative to the culture and systems of the day.
· What’s amazing is that this revolution led by Moses at the hand of Yahweh allowed for the creation of this alternative social reality
It also had remarkable staying power, somewhere in the range of 300-500 years
· This social reality was the alternative to the culture and systems of the day.
This is no small feat! It’s essentially a revolution against the established order of the world that lasts for upwards of half a century. Compare that with other revolutions throughout history.
· It also had remarkable staying power, somewhere in the range of 300-500 years
However, eventually there is a radical shift that happens in Israel and it’s not a good one, it’s a shift to undermine the radicalness of what is established with Moses.
· This is no small feat! It’s essentially a revolution against the established order of the world that lasts for upwards of half a century. Compare that with other revolutions throughout history.
In short Israel begins to develop and transform themselves into something they were never supposed to be
· However, eventually there is a radical shift that happens in Israel and it’s not a good one, it’s a shift to undermine the radicalness of what is established with Moses.
They seek out and aspire to be an empire, a dominant system that embodies its own religious triumphalism and its own politics of oppression and exploitation
· In short Israel begins to develop and transform themselves into something they were never supposed to be
How does it happen?
How it often does
· They seek out and aspire to be an empire, a dominant system that embodies its own religious triumphalism and its own politics of oppression and exploitation
Humanity’s often unintentional attempts to elevate themselves to the level of God
· How does it happen?
The alternative reality and new community established in Moses develops cracks before it eventually comes crashing down
Crack #1
· How it often does with humanity’s attempts to elevate themselves to the level of God
· The alternative reality established in Moses develops cracks before it eventually comes crashing down
The desire for the people to have a king
One of the hallmarks of this alternative way of life in the ancient world was not having a king
Crack #1
· The desire for the people to have a king
Everyone else had kings but Israel had Yahweh
Eventually the people seek out a king, despite warnings about the sorts of things kings do.
· One of the hallmarks of this alternative way of life in the ancient world was not having a king
They are warned about these things but desire a king anyway and they open the door for the destruction of their way of life.
· Everyone else had kings but Israel had Yahweh
· Eventually the people seek out a king, despite warnings about the sorts of things kings do.
It’s hard to counter the dominant culture and systems when you make decisions and moves that make you look like that culture.
· They are warned about these things but desire a king anyway and they open the door for the destruction of their way of life.
In proclaiming a king for themselves the people of Israel set in motion the unfortunate events of the rest of the Old Testament story
Respite
· It’s hard to counter the dominant culture and systems when you make decisions and moves that aspire to be like that culture.
Now in saying this there is respite and hope from the destruction of the Israelite community
· In proclaiming a king of themselves the people of Israel set in motion the unfortunate events of the rest of the Old Testament story
That hope exists in David
Respite
· Now in saying this there is respite and hope from the destruction of Israelite reality
What is unique about David is that he is as we all know a man after God’s own heart
His early reign is marked by times of religious faithfulness.
· That is David
On the surface things appear to be going very well, the country is flourishing.
· What is unique about David is that he is as we all know a man after God’s own heart
· His early reign is marked by times of religious faithfulness.
Underneath that surface though, there are problems.
· On the surface things appear to be going very well, the country is flourishing.
Big problems
This is not a good place to be in any situation, then or now. The illusion that things are going very well while failing to recognize that the bottom will soon fall out.
· Underneath that surface though, there are problems.
I’m going to apologize for using a sports illustration here but in obviously a much less serious set of circumstances there is one that fits well.
· Big problems
· This is not a good place to be in any situation, then or now. The illusion that things are going very well while failing to recognize that the bottom will soon fall out.
I am a Canucks fan, your prayers are appreciated. In June of 2011 The Canucks were fresh off losing the Stanley Cup Final in game 7.
This was a period of hockey in this area marked by prolonged success seeing the team coming as close as possible to winning a championship without actually doing it. Things were good, everything looked really good.
· I’m going to apologize for using a sports illustration here but in obviously a much less serious set of circumstances there is one that fits well.
The next season saw the team go on to lead the league in points again.
· I am a Canucks fan, your prayers are appreciated. In June of 2011 The Canucks were fresh off losing the Stanley Cup Final in game 7.
On the surface things were good but the cracks had been formed there was trouble brewing even if it wasn’t visible yet
· This was a period of hockey in this area marked by prolonged success seeing the team coming as close as possible to winning a championship without actually doing it. Things were good, everything looked really good.
So, if in June of 2011 somebody were to appear and tell me that in the next 8 years the Canucks would win a grand total of 3 playoff games. I would have laughed, scoffed even.
· The next season saw the team go on to lead the league in points again.
· On the surface things were good but the cracks had been formed there was trouble brewing even if it wasn’t visible yet
How in any possibility could things appear so good and fine but in reality, be on the edge of destruction?
· So, if in June of 2011 somebody were to appear and tell me that in the next 8 years the Canucks would win a grand total of 3 playoff games. I would have laughed, scoffed even.
It would turn out in sports as in Israel there is a cry for a savior, but that’s another talk
The point is that even when things are going well, and there is appearance of success and prosperity, there can be underlying problems which threaten the current reality
· How in any possibility could things appear so good and fine but in reality, be on the edge of destruction?
· It would turn out in sports as in Israel there is a cry for a savior, but that’s another talk
David is likely the best possible scenario for a king for Israel.
There isn’t any other sustained period in Israel’s history that the community is religiously faithful, prosperous, and has the appearance of thriving.
· The point is that even when things are going well, and there is appearance of success and prosperity, there can be underlying problems which threaten the current reality
· David is likely the best possible scenario for a king for Israel.
That’s why David is held up as the idyllic king throughout Israel’s history
The problem with prosperity of Israel at this time is the people forget Yahweh
· There isn’t any other sustained period in Israel’s history that the community is religiously faithful, prosperous, and has the appearance of thriving.
They don’t forget in the sense of not knowing but rather they forget their identity as his people
It’s the kingdom that allows them to live not Yahweh
· That’s why David is held up as the idyllic king throughout Israel’s history
· The problem with prosperity of Israel at this time is the people forget Yahweh
Now it’s the kingdom that protects them, the walls of the city, the army of the nation
It’s the King that provides them food, security, and sustains them.
· It’s the kingdom that allows them to live not Yahweh
· Now it’s the kingdom that protects them, the walls of the city, the army of the nation
This isn’t the way it’s supposed to be.
· It’s the King that provides them food, security, and sustains them.
I said already that David is the best possible scenario for a king in Israel.
· This isn’t the way it’s supposed to be.
He is a man after God’s own heart, different from the other kings of the world, he is counter to the dominant culture of the time
Knowing all of this and how good David is, how idyllic he is presented, he is still a man
· I said already that David is the best possible scenario for a king in Israel.
· He is a man after God’s own heart, different from the other kings of the world, he is counter to the dominant culture of the time
If you ever doubt the influence that power and prominence has on people read David’s story.
He is described as a man after God’s own heart, we know this and have heard it our whole lives to the point that it’s engrained as part of the story.
· Knowing all of this and how good David is, how idyllic he is presented, he is still a man
· If you ever doubt the influence that power and prominence has on people read David’s story.
The problem with knowing this and accepting it as truth is that we don’t often think about it
· He is described as a man after God’s own heart, we know this and have heard it our whole lives to the point that it’s engrained as part of the story.
This is a title that is unique to David, it’s not given to Saul or Solomon, or the other kings.
It’s not a title given to prophets and judges before him, even Moses is described as Servant of the Lord not a man after God’s heart
· The problem with knowing this and accepting it as truth is that we don’t often think about it
Humanity is created in the image of Yahweh and then in David you have a man and king who is sought out by God to be king because his heart is like Yahweh.
· This is a title that is unique to David, it’s not given to Saul or Solomon, or the other kings.
· It’s not a title given to prophets and judges before him, even Moses is described as Servant of the Lord not a man after God’s heart
This is a big deal, so don’t just pass over without thinking about this. Names and titles mean a lot in the OT especially.
David is a man after Yahweh’s heart, he is revered as the greatest king, his line is promised to continue forever, eventually including even Jesus.
· Humanity is created in the image of Yahweh and then in David you have a man and king who is sought out by God to be king because his heart is like Yahweh.
By most metrics he is the gold standard, and even in all of this he is still part of the problem.
· This is a big deal, so don’t just pass over without thinking about this. Names and titles mean a lot in the OT especially.
Because even in the most ideal situation and circumstances the problems exist below the surface and in David’s reign they start bubbling to the surface
· David is a man after Yahweh’s heart, he is revered as the greatest king, his line is promised to continue forever, eventually including even Jesus.
Bathsheba
· By most metrics he is the gold standard, and even in all of this he is still part of the problem.
Now, if I were to mention the problem with David’s reign as king. The one that we are most inclined to go to is the Bathsheba incident.
· Because even in the most ideal situation and circumstances the problems exist below the surface and in David’s reign they start bubbling to the surface
We go here because it’s so obviously wrong. Abuse of power, infidelity, murder, punishment.
Bathsheba
· Now, if I were to mention the problem with David’s reign as king. The one that we are most inclined to go to is the Bathsheba incident.
The story is easy to understand if difficult to read. It’s easy to see where David is wrong and the consequences he suffers as a result.
· We go here because it’s so obviously wrong. Abuse of power, infidelity, murder, punishment.
This story is told in
Now, when I look at this story in my Bible, we have the nice headings outlining and breaking down the story for us.
· The story is easy to understand if difficult to read. It’s easy to see where David is wrong and the consequences he suffers as a result.
· This story is told in
David commits adultery with Bathsheba (11.1-13)
David has Uriah killed (11.14-27a)
· Now, when I look at this story in my Bible, we have the nice headings outlining and breaking down the story for us.
Nathan Condemns David (11.27b-12.15a)
o David commits adultery with Bathsheba (11.1-13)
o David has Uriah killed (11.14-27a)
Bathsheba’s child dies (12.15b-23)
Solomon is born (12.24-25)
o Nathan Condemns David (11.27b-12.15a)
o Bathsheba’s child dies (12.15b-23)
The End
Headings are great and they help us read these stories and give us clarity, but obviously they are editorial decisions made within the last 50 years.
o Solomon is born (12.24-25)
o The End
The ancient manuscripts don’t have these, or chapters and verse numbers either
The chapters and verse numbers are old though dating back to the 16th century
· Headings are great and they help us read these stories and give us clarity, but obviously they are editorial decisions made within the last 50 years.
The ancient Hebrew texts dating to the 10th century have paragraph breaks and markings
· The ancient manuscripts don’t have these, or chapters and verse numbers either
The reason I want to bring this up is that Chapter 12 doesn’t end with the birth of Solomon. That’s not the happy ending and life moves on and I think the headings breaking up the story give it that unintended meaning.
· The chapters and verse numbers are old though dating back to the 16th century
· The ancient Hebrew texts dating to the 10th century have paragraph breaks and markings
Going back to chapters and verses they include another 6 verses with this account of David’s action.
· The reason I want to bring this up is that Chapter 12 doesn’t end with the birth of Solomon. That’s not the happy ending and life moves on and I think the headings breaking up the story give it that unintended meaning.
is the part of the text that screams out
The Bathsheba incident is so obviously bad, but these last 6 verses are more troubling for Israel as a whole and the idea of a country and nation that exists counter to the dominant culture.
· Going back to chapters and verses they include another 6 verses with this account of David’s action.
· is the part of the text that screams out
They have a king who is corrupted by power and acts sinfully with Bathsheba and then immediately these 6 verses indicate that things are much worse than they appear.
2 sam 12.26-31
Meanwhile Joab fought against Rabbah of the Ammonites and captured the royal citadel. Joab then sent messengers to David, saying, “I have fought against Rabbah and taken its water supply. Now muster the rest of the troops and besiege the city and capture it. Otherwise I will take the city, and it will be named after me.” So David mustered the entire army and went to Rabbah, and attacked and captured it. David took the crown from their king’s head, and it was placed on his own head. It weighed a talent of gold, and it was set with precious stones. David took a great quantity of plunder from the city and brought out the people who were there, consigning them to labor with saws and with iron picks and axes, and he made them work at brickmaking. David did this to all the Ammonite towns. Then he and his entire army returned to Jerusalem.
· Obviously the Bathsheba incident is so obviously bad, but these last 6 verses are more troubling for Israel as a whole and the idea of a country and nation that exists counter to the dominant culture.
· They have a king who is corrupted by power and acts sinfully with Bathsheba and then immediately these 6 verses indicate that things are much worse than they appear.
It’s easy to overlook these 6 verses because it comes after this story and is followed by an even more troubling story. It’s sandwiched between two stories of gross sexual immorality
· Read 12.26-31
But these 6 verses declare that Israel is Egypt
The Mosaic alternative and resistance to dominant culture has been broken down and replaced
· It’s easy to overlook these 6 verses because it comes after this story and is followed by an even more troubling story. It’s sandwiched between two stories of gross sexual immorality
· But these 6 verses declare that Israel is Egypt
The faith and life of Israel is now focused on the Kingdom instead of Yahweh
It has happened so gradually that the people are seemingly okay with the fact that they are now engaged in politics of oppression and exploitation of people they conquer.
· The Mosaic alternative and resistance to dominant culture has been broken down and replaced
They do this to the extent that the Ammonites are enslaved and sent to make bricks
· The faith and life of Israel is now focused on the Kingdom instead of Yahweh
Bricks! Oh no.
· It has happened so gradually that the people are seemingly okay with the fact that they are now engaged in politics of oppression and exploitation of people they conquer.
· They do this to the extent that the Ammonites are enslaved and sent to make bricks
David is sought out by Yahweh to be king because of his heart, he is probably the best person equipped for this job, and this is where his story takes us.
· Bricks! Oh no.
This says something to the lure of prominence and power and what it does to people. Even people with the best character, heart, and intentions.
One minute you’re slaying giants (literally) and the next you’re enslaving people in the exact labour that precipitated the biggest event in your people’s history.
· David is sought out by Yahweh to be king because of his heart, he is probably the best person equipped for this job, and this is where his story takes us.
The salvation event for the Israelite’s God’s people is salvation from bondage and slavery in Egypt where they made bricks
· This says something to the lure of prominence and power and what it does to people. Even people with the best character, heart, and intentions.
· One minute you’re slaying giants (literally) and the next you’re enslaving people in the exact labour that precipitated the biggest event in your people’s history.
Solomon
Now if David was the best possible scenario for a king and this is what happens it is not surprising when someone without the same qualifications receives this power.
· The salvation event for the Israelite’s God’s people is salvation from bondage and slavery in Egypt where they made bricks
Where the cracks formed and were exposed in David’s reign
Solomon
· Now if David was the best possible scenario for a king and this is what happens it is not surprising when someone without the same qualifications receives this power.
In Solomon they are sought out and split wide open.
The reign of Solomon in the view of dominant culture or compared with the rest of the ancient world is incredibly successful.
· Where the cracks formed and were exposed in David’s reign that undermines the community.
· In Solomon they are sought out and split completely open.
The kingdom is expanded geographically and economically.
· The reign of Solomon in the view of dominant culture or compared with the rest of the ancient world is incredibly successful.
Solomon does what kings of this world should do:
He builds a harem to foster political marriages as well as establishing a strong family line ensuring there will be a continuing line of heirs
· The kingdom is expanded geographically and economically.
He establishes a system of tax districts a way to centralize control over clans and tribes
· Solomon does what kings of this world should do:
o He builds a harem to foster political marriages as well as establishing a strong family line ensuring there will be a continuing line of heirs
Building a government bureaucracy
o He establishes a system of tax districts a way to centralize control over clans and tribes
Established a standing army, the occupation of professional soldier did not exist before Solomon
o Building a government bureaucracy
The fascination with wisdom as tool of self-promotion and elevation
Conscripted labour within Israel.
o Established a standing army, the occupation of professional soldier did not exist before Solomon
o The fascination with wisdom as tool of self-promotion and elevation
Solomon is also the one to build the temple
There is nothing wrong with temple, but there is something wrong with the idea that it promotes an idea where God is contained within the temple with restricted access
o Conscripted labour within Israel.
For Solomon the temple is a function of the royal court and it’s almost as if God is “on call” for the king
· Solomon is also the one to build the temple
· There is nothing wrong with temple, but there is something wrong with the idea that it promotes an idea where God is contained within the temple with restricted access
In Solomon has finished a lengthy prayer and petition to Yahweh looking for blessing and endorsement for himself and Israel.
· For Solomon the temple is a function of the royal court and it’s almost as if God is “on call” for the king
Yahweh responds to Solomon with a very conditional approval of the state of affairs. To paraphrase Yahweh tells Solomon If you walk with me then your throne will be established forever. But if you don’t then this land and house is going to be destroyed and my people will be cut off.
We know what would come to pass.
· In Solomon has finished a lengthy prayer and petition to Yahweh looking for blessing and endorsement for himself and Israel.
Moses-Jesus
· Yahweh responds to Solomon with a very conditional approval of the state of affairs. To paraphrase Yahweh tells Solomon If you walk with me then your throne will be established forever. But if you don’t then this land and house is going to be destroyed and my people will be cut off.
· We know what would come to pass.
We see how in the story of the OT it is largely comprised of God’s people losing their way.
The idea of a unique community led by Yahweh that exists in contrast to the established order and understanding of things fades away.
Moses-Jesus
The hope for all of us is that God is a God of action.
· We see how in the story of the OT it is largely comprised of God’s people losing their way.
· The idea of a unique community led by Yahweh that exists in contrast to the established order and understanding of things fades away.
The covenant relationship he makes time and time again with humanity shows his faithfulness and action in reconciling his people to himself
God constantly wants to bring his people to life
· The hope for all of us is that God is a God of action.
· The covenant relationship he makes time and time again with humanity shows his faithfulness and action in reconciling his people to himself
The function of an alternative community that exists in contrast or counter to dominant culture and systems is that it is life giving.
· God constantly wants to bring his people to life
A community that cherishes life itself, offers life and light in places where it doesn’t make sense.
Jesus’ ministry is time and time again focused on giving life
· The function of an alternative community that exists in contrast or counter to dominant culture and systems is that it is life giving.
· A community that cherishes life itself, offers life and light in places where it doesn’t make sense.
Healing the sick, raising the dead, eventually experiencing death and being risen
The whole thing is about life, and God working through his son to give us life.
· Jesus’ ministry is time and time again focused on giving life
· Healing the sick, raising the dead, eventually experiencing death and being risen
Where it gets confusing is that the dominant culture Jesus is countering is now one of religious order and systems.
· The whole thing is about life, and God working through his son to give us life.
We just made it through the Easter season where we talk about how the expectation of a messiah and king by the Jews is not what Jesus was
They were hoping to turn back the clock on their history to a David like figure.
· Where it gets confusing is that the dominant culture Jesus is countering is now one of religious order and systems.
It’s just the wrong ideal, because there isn’t life there.
· We just made it through the Easter season where we talk about how the expectation of a messiah and king by the Jews is not what Jesus was
Now they have the system and a smaller scale politics of oppression
· They were hoping to turn back the clock on their history to a David like figure.
· It’s just the wrong ideal, because there isn’t life there.
The temple is at the centre of it in Jesus’ time
· Now they have the system and a smaller scale politics of oppression
Why do we think the temple curtain is torn when Jesus is crucified?
Often its’ framed as the breaking down of a barrier allowing us, me and you access to Yahweh through the death of Christ.
· The temple is at the centre of it in Jesus’ time
However, I think it is just as much about the signal that God doesn’t live in the temple behind a curtain anymore
· Why do we think the temple curtain is torn when Jesus is crucified?
· Often its’ framed as the breaking down of a barrier allowing us, me and you access to Yahweh through the death of Christ.
The curtain being torn is as much about God moving out as it is us getting in
· However, I think it is just as much about the signal that God doesn’t live in the temple behind a curtain anymore
Now, the temple isn’t a function of the royal palace under control of the king
· The curtain being torn is as much about God moving out as it is us getting in
Yahweh was always much bigger than the temple, the curtain tearing was reminder of that for us
· Now, the temple isn’t a function of the royal palace under control of the king
Tension
I’ve talked about two different ideas today, the alternative community established in Moses. The idea of a unique community following Yahweh that functioned and lived in the world in a way intentionally different to the rest of the world. A community that was intentionally different to show the uniqueness of Yahweh to offer life and light to the world.
· Yahweh was always much bigger than the temple, the curtain tearing was reminder of that for us
Tension
The contrast is aspiring to the systems and dominant cultures of the world. These are the easy to understand and easy way of doing things in the world. One in which systems are built, organizations are focused on and become the places where people turn to for comfort and life. They fail to do this because they are concerned with power and prominence and self-sustainability. One of the hallmarks of being in power is working to maintain that power, this is done often by oppressing and suppressing threats to that power. An alternative community that is counter to the understood way of doing things is a threat
Moses was a threat to Pharaoh, Jesus was a threat to the Jews, they threatened to upset the balance of power
· I’ve talked about two different ideas today, the alternative community established in Moses. The idea of a unique community following Yahweh that functioned and lived in the world in a way intentionally different to the rest of the world. A community that was intentionally different to show the uniqueness of Yahweh to offer life and light to the world.
· The contrast is aspiring to the systems and dominant cultures of the world. These are the easy to understand and easy way of doing things in the world. One in which systems are built, organizations are focused on and become the places where people turn to for comfort and life. They fail to do this because they are concerned with power and prominence and self-sustainability. One of the hallmarks of being in power is working to maintain that power, this is done often by oppressing and suppressing threats to that power. An alternative community that is counter to the understood way of doing things is a threat
That’s what they did
· Moses was a threat to Pharaoh, Jesus was a threat to the Jews, they threatened to upset the balance of power
Leadership
· That’s what they did
This is the tension and crossroads for Christianity and likely has been since Emperor Constantine conflated Christianity and Empire in the 4th century
How do we live as an alternative community, embodying being counter cultural while effectively engaging the dominant culture around us?
Leadership
· This is the tension and crossroads for Christianity and likely has been since Emperor Constantine conflated Christianity and Empire in the 4th century
How do we embody an ethic that undermines and subverts religious triumphalism, politics of oppression, policies of exploitation?
· How do we live as an alternative community, embodying being counter cultural while effectively engaging the dominant culture around us?
How do we as Broadway church do these things?
I believe that is the call to us.
· How do we embody an ethic that undermines and subverts religious triumphalism, politics of oppression, policies of exploitation?
This is what Brueggemann is getting at when he talks about the prophetic imagination.
· How do we as Broadway church do these things?
The imagining of what it looks like to be that community God calls us to be.
· I believe that is the call to us.
How do we do this when we are a church and an organization and a system?
· This is what Brueggemann is getting at when he talks about the prophetic imagination.
As a Lead Team I feel like we spend a lot of time considering vision and direction and how all of these pieces fit together.
· The imagining of what it looks like to be that community God calls us to be.
· How do we do this when we are a church and an organization and a system?
As ministry teams I know we are concerned with the organization and displaying that we are doing things differently, the way we know how, trying honestly to embody Christ and be life giving.
· As a Lead Team I feel like we spend a lot of time considering vision and direction and how all of these pieces fit together.
I’m not going to act like we all get this right all the time, but I think we’re trying and we do a lot of things really well.
As I thought about a lot of these ideas about community, being counter cultural, being life giving. I did think about us specifically as a church
· As ministry teams I know we are concerned with the organization and displaying that we are doing things differently, the way we know how, trying honestly to embody Christ and be life giving.
We are in an important season right now
· I’m not going to act like we all get this right all the time, but I think we’re trying and we do a lot of things really well.
· As I thought about a lot of these ideas about community, being counter cultural, being life giving. I did think about us specifically as a church
We are in a season of leadership discernment, where we lift up names of people within our congregation to help us
· We are in an important season right now
The lead team represents everyone here to help us to press on and continue that vision
The one right behind me
· We are in a season of leadership discernment, where we lift up names of people within our congregation to help us
Helping people live and follow Jesus
· The lead team represents everyone here to help us to press on and continue that vision
· The one right behind me
Jesus is the one who brings life
He is the alternative to death
· Helping people live and follow Jesus
As a community we hope to embody that alternative
· Jesus is the one who brings life
To shine light into darkness
· He is the alternative to death
Be encouraged, let’s keep moving forward, remember that it’s okay to do things different
· As a community we hope to embody that alternative
Let’s be on guard, watch our systems, watch our organization
· To shine light into darkness
· Be encouraged, let’s keep moving forward, remember that it’s okay to do things different
Let’s not become Egypt
Pray for us as a church
· Let’s be on guard, watch our systems, watch our organization
Pray for our leaders
· Let’s not become Egypt
Pray we don’t lose sight, vision, and identity
Pray that we be life giving because of Christ