“The kings of the armies, they flee, they flee!’ The women at home divide the spoils.” - Psalm 68:12
In the morass of the current post-election world we’re experiencing, those seeking a bit of consolation might ask what truly distinguishes a winner from a loser. In worldly, political terms, power is accorded to the one who triumphs over the other. In conflicts between peoples, or military conflicts between nations, “to the victor goes the spoils” as the psalmist put it long, long ago.
So, a few days ago the International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for both the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his chief adversary, Hamas leader Yoav Gallant for committing war crimes against humanity. In their defense, it is claimed the deliberate and indiscriminate killing of thousands of civilians is a righteous cause that will not end until victory is achieved. Wherever might one such as our brother, Benjamin, get such a notion? Quoting a few more verses to Psalm 68:
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4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds— his name is the Lord— be exultant before him.
5 Father of orphans and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. 6 God gives the desolate a home to live in; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a parched land.
7 O God, when you went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, 8 the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, at the presence of God, the God of Israel. …
21 But God will shatter the heads of his enemies, the hairy crown of those who walk in their guilty ways. 22 The Lord said, ‘I will bring them back from Bashan, I will bring them back from the depths of the sea, 23 so that you may bathe your feet in blood, so that the tongues of your dogs may have their share from the foe.’
Even the American conservative evangelical community appears to affirm a similar scenario in the times in which we now find ourselves. An example:
While simultaneously celebrating the outcome of the recent presidential election, some of those same “Bible-believing” evangelicals have also been waging the fight to have that whole compendium of scriptures incorporated into grade-school curriculum in several states. In Texas, education officials just approved additional funding for school districts willing to include selected portions the Bible in their reading lessons. In Oklahoma, the state superintendent seeks to likewise compel all educators to teach from the Bible; with the implication a simple literal interpretation is sufficient. And, some righteous crusaders in Louisiana wage a legal battle to require the Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms.
As one of several major and historically important world religions, I can appreciate and even support the consideration given to including some of the great, universal mythic tales to be found in the Bible. Examples apparently cited by some proponents are the moral and ethical topics conveyed in Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount,” and the parable of “The Good Samaritan.”
At the same time, one might wonder how these same Bible-believing citizens can reconcile Jesus’ injunction to welcome the stranger -- whether “legal” or “illegal” -- with dignity and hospitality (Mt. 25:31-40), with their support of the presidential winner’s pledge to deport millions of them.
And, then there’s that meddlesome sixth commandment from the Torah (“Don’t kill”), when all three states mentioned above support capital punishment? An inquisitive student be somewhat puzzled by the seeming contradictions; let alone an underlying implication only some passages are to be taking literally as divine truths.
Of course, the compendium of scripture in the Christian faith tradition is filled with passages that are full of contradictions; let alone multiple interpretations. Among them are numerous passages that depict a divine power that will ultimately triumph over the kingdoms of this world. There are winners, and there are losers. So the question remains, whose side are you on?
“There are winners, and there are losers. So the question remains, whose side are you on?”
In this regard, it is difficult to fathom how the historical Jesus – who he was, and what he said, with the values he preached and proclaimed -- was anything but a loser; when it comes to touting any of the typical winner’s trophies we associate with monarchs or maniacs that rule by virtue of their own self-importance, power and ego.
To Thine Own Self
I’ve reflected in a few recent commentaries about what might seem to be naiveté at the heart of the gospel message. It may, however, be a matter of how one defines what truly constitutes exactly what it is that one might gain, win, or lose.
All four canonical gospels in those Christian scriptures deemed holy each include a variation of this passage, attributed to Jesus:
“Those who want to come after me should deny themselves, pick up their cross, and follow me! Remember, those who try to save their own life are going to lose it, but those who lose their life [for my sake and] for the sake of the good news are going to save it. After all, what good does it do a person to acquire he whole world and pay for it with life? Or, what would a person give in exchange for life?” (Mk. 8: 34-38)
Some biblical scholars surmise that there was likely a “proverb,” of sorts, about true gain and loss. It was then adopted and “Christianized” by the gospel writers in the decades following a “loser’s” crucifixion; followed by the subsequent claim with those victorious post-resurrection stories. Hence the injunction, enjoining followers to likewise go ahead and take up the (loser’s) cross of persecution.
But, whatever one’s belief and/or interpretation of what it means to be raised up to a new life, at the heart of the passage is that wisdom saying that we all might do well to learn, study and reflect upon. Namely, what are you willing to lose for the sake of finding and affirming that which constitutes your true “self.”
As always, you provide thought provoking ideas. I love receiving your Words & Ways, but seriously miss your weekly sermons. Thank you for continuing - Miss seeing you
As always, you provide thought provoking ideas. I love receiving your Words & Ways, but seriously miss your weekly sermons. Thank you for continuing - Miss seeing you