A Tale of Two Sovereignties

"A Choice" by the Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman of A Sanctified Art, LLC

When looking at the Revised Common Lectionary, it becomes astoundingly clear how uncomfortable the Book of Revelation is for the Mainline.

Last weekend we were in chapter seven. This weekend, we jump straight over to chapter twenty-one. It's almost like the there's something uncomfortable in the middle, isn't it?

It is very true that the Revelation of John is confusing and full of a myriad of symbols. Painful to take in at many points because it reads like a textbook on destruction, demolition, and damnation.

Except, that was not its purpose.

We need to remember that John's first audiences were living through (or had recently experienced) the absolute agony of not only Rome's occupation, but also their clash with the Jewish leaders between 60-70 CE.

As I said last weekend, the word for kingdom and empire in Greek is identical (same word). Nevertheless, the ancient Roman regime could not have been further from the Kingdom of God.

They were led by megolominical tyrants who believed they should be worshipped as gods, never questioned, and should have anything they wanted. The Empire enforced this will without question by decimating the opposition or even suspected opposition. They enforced the "Pax Romana" (peace of Rome) through military might and domination. They even destroyed the environment to uphold their potency with precious metals stripped from the lands and forests devastated to manufacture weaponry for the army and armada. And they believed that true faith was only demonstrated by those who upheld the might and authority of the Emperor and Rome.

As we see these and many more facets elucidated throughout the book of Revelation, we also see the striking contrast with what the kingdom of God truly is. It was never about mere loyalty or belief in God or Christ. It was about lived out opposition to any forces in this world that oppose God's will. Or to put it another way, challenging and standing against anything or anyone who would not fulfill Christ's commandment to love tangibly and recklessly, seeking justice and flourishing for all.

No matter what nation from which we hail, our first allegiance should always be to the Kingdom of God, one that is exhibited only in how we love with tenacious and concrete acts for our neighbors. That is how we follow Christ.

See you on Sunday!

Blessings,

Rev. Janie