Friday, November 25, 2022

 

Friday, November 25, 2022


Psalms 62; 63

Malachi 2:17-3:12

Revelation 13:1-10


Observance: James Noble, first Indigenous Australian ordained (d. 1941)


Then all nations will count you happy, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts.


Once we understood that John is recounting over and again the story of creation from fall to redemption, the book of Revelation began to make sense. But now, with monsters coming out of the sky, standing on the beach, coming out of the ocean, and so forth, it would be understandable for us to feel like we are losing the plot again.


But so we can understand John, and understand this particular camera angle he is showing us, first recognise that the initial monster is satan. The sea represents political authority, while the land represents religious authority (these are Old Testament tropes which would have been obvious to the first readers of Revelation). The fact that satan is standing on the sand tells us that he is unable to fully be present in either of those two institutions. Further to this, we are shown that satan is unable to directly control them, and so has to delegate and send representatives.


Malachi, meanwhile, is giving the religious authorities a good scolding. But the core message of the two readings is the same. It is particularly relevant to us because of a prevalent (and rising) world view in our society.


There is this idea going around that all our problems can be solved by the government. Rather than being an institution that serves us, it is being redefined into an institution more like mummy and daddy for grown-ups. And while the Australian Commonwealth is indeed designed to maximise the benefits for the most number of citizens, this venerable old institution is not immune from global trends.


Malachi reminds us that there is One who rules over all, and who is far more capable of looking after us than we are. Our Heavenly Father is always happy to welcome us, listen to our problems, and grant us blessing upon blessing until our arms overflow with His loving gifts.


The reading ends with God setting some homework for us. Put me to the test, He challenges us. Trust in the Lord completely, to care for us and make sure we have enough to fill our belly and cover our backs, and see if He doesn’t “open the windows of heaven” for us, and “pour down for you an overflowing blessing.”


As with all things in life, there is nothing inherently bad with government. But we must always remember Who it is that looks after us. And He looks after us very well indeed.



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