Categories: uncategorized
Date: 08 February 2011 15:27:57
So today began a trip into Exodus. One of those books you think you know. Well, already learning thinking about stuff and only gone from Exodus 1:1 - 3:22. Early on it says "a new King came to power who didn't know about Joseph". It then goes on to explain how this king was concerned about the "immigrant" community. So the Israelites getting so much hassell and being put into slavery was a result of a leader not understanding about the heritage of his nation and the contribution made by foreigners. For this King the main fear was that there would be a war and the "immigrant community" would side with enemy.
Um, never heard any variation on that before; particularly not put in patriarchal language about "muscular liberalism". Ok, so Davie boy doesn't want to put the Muslims into slavery, (he wants to do that with the young unemployed instead), but there is a strangely contemporary ring to all this...but anyway as Ben Elton would say, I'm getting a bit political here.
Moving on, back in Exodus there are a couple of midwives who are engaging in some non-violent direct action against the state, refusing to carry out oppressive and arguably racist policies. They lie when called to account why they are not carrying out the kings orders and God is pleased with them. Therefore, it seems sometimes bending the truth when involved in ethical NVDA may be ok.
Moses gets born and his mum hides her son, with her daughter watching what happens. Pivitol to the whole story is a quick thinking kid. When the leaders daughter finds Moses the sister goes up and says, "Do you need a nurse for the child?" and proceeds to ensure her little bro comes home and is protected. Within this it is clear that Pharaoh's daughter understood the oppression and the situation regarding Moses....all showing that even the upper classes are not beyond subversion and NVDA.
Fast forward to a grown up Moses. It quickly becomes apparent he understands his heritage and ethnic identity. Unfortunately, as a hot tempered young man he murders an oppressor - violent direct action is not a good move! He has to do a runner to escape. Whilst he is "on the run" the leadership of the country changes but the oppression of the Hebrews continues.
God is concerned and remembers covenant and so decides to do something. Cue the burning bush and holy ground. Moses hears God, but has the immeadiate reaction he has the wrong person. God uses those who have made big mistakes and aren't obvious choices. (Don't let's even go there).
Matt 26:1 - 30 shows it is all starting to kick off with Jesus. Everybody knows things have gotten to the stage where confrontation (and arrest) are inevitable. In this version there is no denying Jesus, simply sadness. Judas tries to deny he is going to be the one to get Jesus arrested but in a tense scene over the passover meal Jesus makes it clear he knows Judas is the one who is going to make it happen.
Within all this there is a woman who extravagantly worships Jesus much to the annoyance of the masculine crowd of disciples. Jesus intervenes and speaks up for her, praising her. All quite exciting really....although disturbing because this is not a fluffy situation. It another situation where an occupying force is going to punish an innocent man for subversive NVDA.
Psalm 19: 1 - 6 Heaven is beautiful.