Empires awe us with their power, yet Revelation tells us that they are doomed to crumble. After the dust of empires settles, once and for all, we believe that the greatest and most glorious king of all, Jesus, will come to establish justice. How should we live in light of this reality?
“Shock and awe” was the term for military force used by the United States in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. While considered an impressive use of force, over 7,000 Iraqi civilians lost their lives and tens of thousands of combatants died. Tragically, no weapons of mass destruction were found, and the invasion was found to be unjustified. I had prayed fervently that the invasion of Iraq would not happen and the consequences were personally devastating. We as Christians might understand that Babylon is a metaphor for empires, but we may fail to recognize that existing empires, including the U.S., use real, not metaphorical, deadly force. We may be unable to relate to those who suffer around the globe from the actions of dominant nations.
In Revelation 13, the “beast” (a metaphor for idolatrous political systems), is given satanic, spiritual powers to blaspheme God and wage war against God’s people. The beast is frightening and repellant but, strangely, inspires awe:
The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast. People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?” Revelation 13:3b-4
I can understand this awe. I spent time in Paris in college and found it dazzling. It was easy not to think about the French empire’s colonizing past, just as we can minimize how empires — including the U.S. — have created so much suffering, and are creating it right now. We can celebrate winning and achievement while ignoring backstories of terrible destruction and unthinkable injustice.
Jesus flips the script of empires: He did not use shock or awe to win us over. He used weakness and the power of love to establish His kingdom, the greatest kingdom which will never fade or collapse. While empires throughout time have been impressive and seductive, the powers that built them will inevitably collapse and will never again be used against God’s people. This will be a shock and disaster for all who trusted them. But for those who trust in Jesus and convey His love and humility, there will be awe and thankfulness.
The quiet and gentle voice of Jesus may not seem impressive compared to powers that awe and frighten us. The suffering and desire for justice for the oppressed may be incomprehensible for us who are not oppressed or in danger. Let’s pray that we can live in the light of Jesus’ truth (not bow to the idolatry of imperialism), to remember those who cry out for justice in this country and around the world, and to remember that the glory of Jesus will be eternal and unshakable..
Lead, Kindly Light by Audrey Assad w/lyrics
by Sherry Sommer
