Let me tell you the story of a Head of State:
He was the deputy to his brother – and many believed
that he plotted his brother’s downfall. While he bided his time he married his
friend’s wife, and had an affair with his brother’s daughter.
Then the moment came for him to push his brother
aside and take over as head of state. As Head of State, he became more and more
autocratic. He refused to answer to parliament, and moved the decision-making process
to his office. He valued loyalty to himself above all else, and dismissed any
members of his cabinet who did not obey him. He also set out to punish those people of truth
and integrity who opposed his decisions.
…..
anyone know this man’s name?
I refer to the Roman Emperor Domitian – who ruled Rome from 81-96AD.
He is particularly remembered for his persecution
of Christians – because they opposed his self-serving government.
It was in this period that John wrote his gospel. This
was a time when the empire seemed to be engulfed in darkness. And John wanted
to tell the good news: that Jesus comes as a light in the darkness.
And so John tells a story about Jesus bringing
light into a dark tomb: The story of Jesus and Lazarus is a story about Jesus who
comes to breathe fresh air into dark tombs:
And I suspect that we need to hear this today –
Because our news this week has been filled with political
actions that took place under the cover of darkness – deeds that smell of decay
and death!
Jesus comes to us today and says “Do not let your
fear rule you!”
When the Christian Community hears Jesus, we come
out of our tomb and we are not afraid – because Jesus comes to breathe fresh air
into the places of death.
Therefore when a head of state uses his office for
deeds of darkness, the early Christians said “No – in Jesus name there will be
light”. So too today: we as followers of
Jesus oppose powerful people when they want to bring darkness; we shall say “No
- in the Name of Jesus there will be light”.
