After my reflections a change with a guest post from Simon Swift. ‘At the heart of God’s kingdom is justice based on relationships’… and I love the ‘Divine Commonwealth’ as a concept for the kingdom of heaven.
Some weeks ago the USA decided to drop the biggest non nuclear bombs on Iran and put an end to their nuclear ambitions. As I watched the unfolding drama on our western news, I was struct by the question of what exactly was the President of the USA trying to teach Iran, and indeed every other nation in the world?
Now I am no expert in the problems of that part of the world. So I don’t want to comment too much because I would be doing so mostly from ignorance. While it seems to be all centred around Gaza, the horrific suffering of both the Palestinian population and the Israeli hostages, there are larger forces at work. With the support of Israeli colonisation by the likes of the US and UK on the one hand and the Iranians dreams of dominance in the middle east on the other. It’s like a middle east version of the cold war with proxy fighters and complicated relationships. In the middle of it all the people who live there suffer the most. One could ask who is actually to blame for all this.
Back to the bunker busting bombs and the ability of the USA armed forces to strike any where in the world: What did it actually teach Iran, will it cower the Iranians or make them moor determined to have nuclear weapons? What was on show was the might and power of the USA. It’s feet firmly planted in the power of empire with it’s ability to bring death and destruction to anywhere in the world. They can send a missile with precision to anywhere. If you are on their list as enemies, it does not matter where you live. Country border’s are meaningless now; they can deliver death to your door step. Now they are not the only ones who can do this and this is not about having ago at the US, but I do question the reason for that mission, because I believe it teaches one thing to the world: Might it right.
It teaches that if you want to be truly free you have to be the strong man, you have to be dominant and in control. The way to do that is to have the biggest bombs and the larges military. You have to subdue anyone you think could equal you and therefor become a threat. So it would not surprise me if Iran doubles their efforts to build a nuclear bomb. And the rest of the world looks on and thinks Yeah, we need one too. This just draws the world further in to the kingdom of death. It does not provide justice for the populations of the world and leave the weaker to whims of the powerful as they, the elite ruling classes, battle it out to be king of the castle.
Now I occasionally watch LBC’s James O’Brian on YouTube when they post clips of his shows. On one occasion a gentleman who is Jewish and lives in London, has dual British and Israeli nationality, called in on O’Brian’s phone in show. He is a musician and formed a band with a Palestinian who unfortunately is still stuck in Gaza. He went on to explain how the Israelis live in fear and how that is exploited by politicians. As he talked he mentioned that he had been approached by some Palestinian musicians to produce their music. If we want justice in the middle east then this man points to the right way: relationships.
At the heart of God’s kingdom is justice based on relationships. We may feel we cannot do much about what is happening in Gaza, Yet, we can do relationships. This man talking on LBC radio was doing relationships. Now I don’t know anyone from that region or indeed any Jewish or Palestinians, but I do know that I should be careful in passing judgement. Instead, if we are in a position to do anything, however small, we should be looking to build the right relationships. Why? because we need to be using Love power instead on drawing on the power of Empire.
What would the world look like if our politicians lived in the kingdom of Heaven. If they where to hook up to the power of love? This I think is relevant particularly to the UK after Brexit. It finds itself with out an empire to pay for things. The government has to work out what is the place of Britain on the world stage (and still be able to afford it.) So I ask how would the vision of a future UK be shaped if power is based on Love instead of Empire?
One of the problems with the term ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ is its connection with Christendom and empire building. I much prefer the term ‘Divine Commonwealth’ as its suggest a shared inheritance which we get to take part in and even to contribute to. Which leaves us with the question, what can we do to advance the kingdom, or better still build the commonwealth, that is of heaven? If justice is about relationships then that is where we can begin: In the villages, towns and cities. In the work place, on the high street or shopping mall. In our churches for sure, but what other third places do we frequent that need the disciples of the the Way to be a light in the darkness?
In our conversations what is the type of language we use? In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Paul lists more than just a description of love, rather they are practical pointers to how we should do love. If we want to plant the seed of God’s Divine Commonwealth then we must, while not ignoring wrongs done (whether by governments and organisations or individuals,) promote reconciliation. Pointing out what is of the kingdom of Death and what is of Heaven using a language that none Christians get.
I’m afraid I only have questions and not many answers. To live in these times we need our heads in heaven and our feet on earth, or as shewed as snakes and innocent as doves if you prefer. At the end of the day our only weapon is Love. But we do have one advantage: A faith in one who has gone through death and come out the other side.