The Biblical Political Agenda

Tuesday, October 10, 2006 -- Week of Proper 22

"Morning Reflections" is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117
An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
Another form of the office from Phyllis Tickle's "Divine Hours" is available on our partner web site www.ExploreFaith.org at this location -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html


Today's Readings for the Daily Office (p. 987)
Psalm [120], 121, 122, 123 (morning) // 124, 125, 126, [127] (evening)
Micah 1:1-9
Acts 23:12-24
Luke 7:1-17

Reading today's lessons is like watching television news. Psalm 123 says, "Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy, for we have had more than enough of contempt, Too much of the scorn of the indolent rich, and the derision of the proud." Micah prophecies against the ruling elites in Samaria and Jerusalem. Their corruption is bringing ruin upon their nations. Micah accuses the rulers and authorities of misleading the people. He accuses them of economic injustice. He says that God will judge their actions and bring disaster -- the utter destruction of Samaria and a threat against Jerusalem.

Much of the complaint of the prophets was directed at the abuse of power by the wealthy and the politically connected. The prophets accuse the powerful of using their power to expand their own economic interests, often at the expense of the peasants and smaller landowners. There was lying, arrogance and corruption in the high places, particularly the seat of government. God detests such behavior, says Micah and the prophets. Such behavior brings God's judgment.

This stuff reads like today's headlines. When you read the 8th century prophets it is like reading a contemporary newspaper or watching TV news -- just substitute Washington for Samaria and Jerusalem. The 8th century BCE was a time when Israel was wealthy and politically powerful. It was also a time of increasing economic contrasts. The wealthy were concentrating much of the wealth and power into the hands of the elite, a circumstance guaranteed to draw the ire of the prophetic tradition.

What does Micah want? What do the prophets say God wants? There are three prophetic words that Micah uses to summarize the prophetic demand:

"Mishpat" is justice. Justice is the kind of fairness and equality that the prophets proclaimed should characterize all social and economic relationships.

"Hesed" is usually translated "steadfast love" or "kindness" or "mercy." It has a strong element of loyalty and integrity. Hesed describes how we are to fulfill our social responsibilities, with loyal and kind integrity.

"Hatsnea lekhet" is to walk humbly. It is the way of life that is the opposite of the arrogant abuse of power so characteristic of the elite. Walking humbly prevents corruption, injustice and exploitation.

These are major Biblical themes. You can find this message throughout the scriptures. These words describe the political agenda of the Bible -- mishpat, hesed, and hatsnea lekhet. Economic and social fairness and equality; fulfilling social obligations with loyal kindness; walking humbly.

The next time you read or watch the news, ask yourself, "What would the prophets say?"
__________________

Lowell


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The Rev. Lowell Grisham
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, AR