Mythic realities

Gilgamesh-Cylinder-SealWhen we avoid the popular notion of myth as a fairytale and understand it as a means for accessing deep universal meaning that can only be conveyed in symbol and story, we are getting closer to truth.

When confronted with the world’s chaos and violence and ask “What does it all mean?” and we doggedly search for an answer, we may find ourselves in the world of ancient myth.

If we conclude that such self and other destruction is inevitable and take a fatalistic or survivalist stance we are in the middle of the epic Akkadian tale of Gilgamesh.

If we have a more hopeful outlook seasoned with a yearning for peaceful outcomes, we have landed ourselves in the covenant story of Noah alluded to yesterday.

Today, Psalm 25 acknowledges the reality of injustice but is clearly oriented to the Noah covenant.  The poet seems to be enduring considerable distress but reveals a solid confidence in being part of the relationship described by the long arc of G-d’s loving mercy and justice.

From arks to arcs

noahs_ark_rainbowOur daily texts from Revised Common Lectionary are leading into the Season of Lent, commencing this Wednesday. Genesis 9:8-17 is the climactic postlude of the Noah story, where the ancient principle of covenant is introduced. The ark takes its place as a primary point in the Hebrew view of the “arc of the moral universe.” 

A covenant is different from a contract. It speaks of intentionality in fostering a positive relationship, even when the other party fails. Rev’d Dr Mark Hillis refers to the post-diluvian rainbow as a “bow at rest” – a laid down weapon suggesting a conjunction of the spectrum of light and the cessation of G-d’s intervention of punitive wrath.

This foundation of the covenant reveals an early theological understanding that natural disasters are not the punishment of offended gods. Rather there is an assertion of benevolent loving relationship awaiting development. This is an early and dawning awareness; the arc will yet reveal more touch points as it progresses through Hebrew and Christian history. Indeed it is meant to convey the basis of the whole human story – the Source of the Universe is best understood through a relationship that is positive and creative.

Credentials

pexels-photo-567633A new ambassador stands before the Prime Minister and formally hands over an introductory letter sealed with the mark of his own government.

A hopeful business recruit emails her CV and academic record to a prospective employer.

A starry-eyed couple meet over coffee, swapping life stories in an effort to test the polarities of magnetism between them – will they continue to attract or will repulsion render this a one-off encounter?

There are varieties of ways for presenting credentials.

The Apostle Paul somehow does it in reverse. Having defended himself against charges of misrepresenting himself as an apostle with the authority to guide the church in Corinth, he presents his concerned hearers as his very credentials! Living witnesses to growth in Christ are all the credentials he and they require of each other! See 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

Paul has a refreshing turn of phrase for cutting through conflict hiding behind formalities and red tape that bind rather than liberate!

Dreaming with Daniel

Daniel – press-ganged into public service for the all-powerful empire.

What were his night dreams following days of soul-eating acts of policy development, implementation and administration? We get a glimpse when reading Daniel 7:9-14.

Daniel_4_Beasts

I remember the years of ministry amongst public servants of all ranks and the agonising torment that some endured as they sought to express their calling through their work where core values were often quite difficult to discern and process.

Today, spare a thought for all who work implementing government policy, particularly those of principled faith who struggle to be true to their vocation.

Einstein, Elijah, Moses and Jesus

Transfiguration_bloch

“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
Dr Martin Luther King

I was intrigued to hear this favourite quote linked, in a recent conversation, with Einstein’s theory of relativity and its application to satellite navigation that depends on differences in relative space and time calculations for accuracy.

As I revisit the Mount of Transfiguration, where Jesus converses with Elijah and Moses, three disciples are witness to a 1000 year segment of the span of the moral universe as discerned through Hebrew history and tradition and culminating in Jesus as the Christ.

MLK’s quote is often taken out of context when applied to justify political expediency. King’s vision was firmly oriented through the lens of the Christian vision of the kingdom of God, of shalom, the reign of justice in terms of love of God, neighbour, self and cosmos.

He too had been to the mountaintop and was clear on what he had seen.

Relinqishment and Succession

As my church and  I move into the twilight zone of relinquishment of a two-decade ministry and preparation for a yet unknown successor, the story of Elijah passing his mantle on to Elishah is instructive.

Change of leadership simultaneously raises levels of anxiety and hope. Succession must be carefully managed. I am no Elijah and, as yet, we do not know who our Elisha is. One thing we do know is that change is often necessary if our effectiveness is to be the “double measure.”

This is true of any human community – be it family, church, sporting club or business enterprise. There is a reason Swiss-made luxury watches lost leadership in the world market – by deciding not to embrace the digital revolution.  And now most people use their smartphones for even more accurate time-keeping!

Change is most positively effective when managed through a proactive plan of relinquishment and succession. I am thankful that my church has had the foresight to have begun succession planning in a timely fashion.

No sweet chariot yet, but let’s enjoy Etta James as she sings:

All things to all people – look for the motive!

all things
from http://www.hipsterscripture.com/page/2

“I have become all things to all people” – this phrase speaks of election campaigns! Suddenly politicians, normally hiding from public view, enter the catwalk,  glad-handing everywhere. Previous “no-go” districts in their electorates become the target of media focused sortees, where solutions are offered to longstanding unsolvable problems. In order to win the maximum number of votes, it is important to, as far as politically possible, “be all  to all.”

The phrase is borrowed from St Paul who is before the Corinthian church leaders defending his stance and vigour in spreading the Christian message.
Click on 1 Corinthians 9:16-23.

Paul has already set aside his right to compensation as he works amongst them. So passionate and urgent is he about spreading the message as far as possible that he will break stringent social class boundaries, becoming a slave to the slave, a Jew to the Jew, a Gentile to the Gentile, in order to succeed.

“How does this make Paul different to a campaigning electoral candidate?” one might ask.  Look for the motive. Control and love are strong and powerful motivators. But they are mutually exclusive. One manipulates; the other serves.

(Disclaimer: this, of course, is not a slur on those excellent politicians who enter public life in order to serve)

Tall poppy rights

tall poppiesVisitors to Australia are sometimes mystified by the Australian egalitarian penchant for “lopping the tall poppies,” i.e. ridiculing those who, by virtue of excellence in their field, may be at risk of showing a tendency to rise above the crowd either in attitude, eccentric behaviour or even failure to meet popular expectation. We quickly cut them down to size! This may not be as prevalent as multicultural diversity has had several generations now to exert its influence.

Do tall poppies have rights? The average Aussie would say “Of course!” and quickly spring to the defence of those being unfairly maligned in the media. After all, everything must pass the “pub test” (consensus arrived at in a crowd discussion at a public bar as the days’ politics are reviewed.)

In today’s text from 1 Corinthians 9:1-15, the apostle Paul vigorously defends himself against charges that his leadership is wanting and that he is not worthy of any benefit he is receiving due to his role. It looks like a pay dispute! He appeals not so much for his rights but lays out the evidence of his experience and motivation for spending his life in service to the church. For this, he is prepared to lay aside his rights lest they become an obstacle. He makes no claim except for his human need to eat. I think most Aussies would say “Fair enough!” and also rise to his defence.

Action Man Jesus?

Action Man Jesus

One can feel quite exhausted following a reading of the Gospel of Mark’s account of a day in the life of Jesus – today’s text Mark1: 29-39. There is a lot packed into the day so described. It is typical of Mark’s story-telling style – rapid, clipped, urgent, sparing of detail.

It gives a picture of a Jesus who is in total command. For Mark’s original community under heavy persecution and the threat of annihilation under Nero, it was strengthening to know that, even as they felt the breath of the hungry arena lion or the heat of the first flicker of flames at the stake, that the One in whom they had invested their total trust would hold them tight.

Recent times have seen an increase in awareness of many who still suffer religious persecution as Christians and other minority groups flee the Middle East and also the current Rohingya crisis bridging Myanmar and Bangladesh. One almost wishes for an Action Man or superhero to descend and sort it all out.  The big picture in Mark’s Gospel, however, is focused on the urge for Jesus’ followers to exercise perseverance and focus on the message to which they are called, no matter what threatens to destroy them. I have often been inspired by stories of such faith emerging from the witness of the Coptic and Syrian Orthodox communities here in Perth

Mark tells us of no easy fix, no plastic action figure to save the day, but the trustworthy authority of Jesus who is also the Christ.