Summary
May the words from my mouth and the meditation of —each – and every one of — our hearts be acceptable to you, O LORD, our rock and our Redeemer……(Psalm 19:14) … Amen.
Where do you get your Power?
There is an African saying, “riding the tiger,” a Bishop and political leader explained to me during our time in Zambia. My question to the Bishop was about why African presidents stay in office so long. The phrase references African leaders who rise to the top of the government, and then feel as though they are the top of the world, some go so far as to be called king, or even reference themselves as Moses, leading his people to a new era. Leaders from the western world find roles on the lecture tour, honorary professor, lobbyist, or political consultant. I am not suggesting either one is a more moral high ground, for there are plenty ex-politicians around the globe who are thirsty for power, and not in a humanitarian way.
But, in Africa, there is a history of staying in elected positions of power. Consider Zimbabwe’s previous minister, Robert Mugabe, at 92 years old, could see the people were uprising, asking him to step down after 40 years as either Prime Minister or President. Even at this point, desparate to maintain power, tried to orchestrate his wife, Grace, 40 years his younger, to become the next President – to keep the power in the family. Zuma from South Africa. Rwanda President Kagame, the list is long. Even in Zambia, with its understandable pride in being a peaceful nation, the current president pushed to change – or at least reinterpret – the Constitution to make him eligible for another term. The Bishop, in answering my question, further explained, you see, riding the tiger is great – until you fall off. Then, well, you become lunch for the tiger. The power is gone, to say the least. You become, if you are lucky a mere citizen again with none of the perks or power — more likely forever lunch by those newly in power, including physical threats and a high likelihood of jail time. So you want to hang on to power as long as possible.
In today’s Gospel, we read of power. The danger of power that comes with acquiring it by getting on a tiger. The perks, the superficial sense of control. And how such earthly power can become self-serving over social justice, in seeking self over community. Earthly power over God’s omnipotent power. In fact, as we read in Mark, fatal for the innocent, for the Baptizer of Jesus.
Two weeks ago we read in Mark’s Gospel of 2 Miracles – one sandwiched inside another (bracketed, or incalation). Again, Mark uses this technique. Today’s Gospel is sandwiched between Mark sharing the story of Jesus sending the Twelve on a mission – a very successful mission in calling people to repent, casting out many demons, and anointing and curing many sick people (vv. 12-13) In other words, these apostles had been doing great things for Jesus. Sharing the Gospel, the life-giving power of Jesus.
So, why does Mark choose to interrupt this wonderful report and sandwich in the grim story of the death of John the Baptist.
First, perhaps to remind us of the tough realities of life in God’s Kingdom here on earth. Terrible things do happen. Unfairness abounds. Accidents, cancer, tragedies happen to the nicest people. The innocent are not exempt. Harold Kushner, theologian and Rabbi, named his book, “Bad things happen to good people. A book, by the way, he wrote in struggling, grappling, and weeping with his son’s diagnosis of a rare and fatal pre-mature aging disease of progeria, which the body ages 4-5 times faster than normal, with death at around 14 while the body looks as a old person.
So, first, even as we try our best, we will hurt and be hurt. If John the Baptist was not exempt, I guess we aren’t either. Life is full of unfairness, and ultimately death. While there are many blessings on earth, this is a world filled with suffering.
And 2nd and, perhaps, not unrelated reason, as I meditated on the text, I found in my own heart this message of Power. Life-giving and life-taking. Riding the tiger or following our Lord.
The sandwich “bread slices” are good news from the disciples. The disciples were bringing the life-giving power of the good news – God’s loving, saving, power which was coming through and in Jesus. John, likewise had invited people to welcome Jesus, the one whom he had baptized. He did seek to ride the tiger, but humbly submitted to being but only the one to prepare the way for the Messiah. God’s healing, God’s grace, and God’s salvation into their lives due to the work of God’s servants and God’s Son. Life-giving power.
Herod, on the other hand, was caught up in another kind of power. Not Herod the Great, but one his sons, Herod Antipas —
— was having a birthday party for himself. Anyone who was anyone was there. Definitely the A-list of invitees. Herod had become a puppet king over Israel, having been installed by the occupying army. So he was politically vulnerable. His birthday was a perfect chance to host the elites, to be among and show himself to be one of the powerful.
Meanwhile, John the Baptist was sitting in jail. This new movement that was percolating was becoming quite an inconvenience for Herod, both professionally and personally. Professionally, Herod’s power was completely at the mercy of the whims of Rome. Any unrest had potential for disrupting Rome’s dominance – and, thusly, Herod’s power as king. Personally, John the Baptist had criticized Herod for marrying his brother’s wife — likely while still married. Herod had John imprisoned, whether it be to keep him away from the crowds who might be energized by John and cause unrest, or even to keep him safe from Herod’s wife, Herodias who was extremely mad at John for daring to speak out on their marital matter. They were king and queen, after all.
So, at the party Herodias got her “opportunity” (εὐκαίρου (eukairou…U-KAY-ROW) —strategic, convenient, opportune, happy day!). Her daughter danced a dance that pleased Herod greatly. So much so that he promised her – – in front of this elite and powerful group of who he was trying to impress – anything she wanted, including up to half of his kingdom, he bragged. I am a most powerful person, as he boasted to prove to his frolicking upper crust guests, who can do most anything.
The request for John’s death – indeed, head on a platter – must have made for quite a hush over the party. Was it a joke? What it a challenge? Would Herod admit that maybe he had gone a step too far? That his step-daughter (through his wife) had one-upped him?
Herod had to choose. He likely did not really want to kill John – Verse 20 says that Herod saw John as a righteous and holy man. Imprisonment seemed to be enough to avoid public skirmishes that might affect Herod’s reputation and also keep his wife, Herodias, happy. Now, here he was stuck in a jam in front of the elite. In his own mind, he had too much to lose. Of course, some embarrassment, but even more the fear of losing power. That day, Herod’s power killed God’s messenger, John. The fear of the tiger overtook Herod. Life-taking power.
John and Jesus proclaimed God’s kingdom of grace – doing great things in so many places. Yet, the powers of the world did not receive them well. When Jesus and John told how much God cares about power of truth, justice, love and mercy. Yet, it was self-serving power that killed them. Why disrupt the status quo – the establishment? I might get kicked off the tiger. Live-giving or live taking power.
And so, we, too, often let human power tell us what we need to do – or not do. Or pretend it isn’t happening. Power – where do we choose to receive and how do we use it?
We all have examples. There is so much life-taking power around today, in all facets of life, When I worked in the inner workings of politics in DC for over 10 years, I saw the fear of losing power – and it is gruesome. While, thankfully, I never saw a head on a platter – at least literally – I have seen what power – and the fear of losing it – can do to people. And it’s not just politics. The church is not immune – recently in the news was an evangelist proudly acknowledging the purchase of his 3rd airplane, somehow able to justify it – perhaps confusing riding the tiger power with that of the Gospel. If you have seen the movie, The Devil’s Advocate or Wall Street, similarly, an upcoming lawyer and talented Trader definitely – got on the tiger, and rode the high life. And then realized the consequences of falling off the tiger.
And, this was the quandary for Herod. Save face and power, or humbly admit this is not the right thing to do – recognizing the potential consequences of his peers.
Well, we know which path Herod took. The fear of losing power, and all of the perks that went with it, were too much for him. His insecurities got the best of him. And so, John the Baptist was killed rather than Herod risk his status and life, the power as he had come to relish. And Mark foreshadows here the death of Jesus. We see, that similarly, Pilate authorized the death of Jesus. Insecurity, greed, and the appetite for power was too much. Life-taking power. The power of the tiger.
So, what about us? Where do we get our power? Is it from the status we feel in being with important people? A platinum airline card as we hope to pass the lines at the airport? Diplomatic events or posh galas? Job status? Money to do what we want at any cost? Popularity –How many “friends” we have on Facebook?
Or, perhaps, living in a new country, we feel the opposite – powerlessness. Not being able to navigate, to control our days as when we are in more familiar surroundings. We can all think of situations in which frustration sets in for us or, perhaps, someone describing the complexities of navigating a new system or place. The lack of power can also affect our lives when we think more about the power of the tiger that we wish we had than the power of the Gospel that is our free gift of grace from God through faith.
In our 1st lesson today, in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he reminds us that we have “redemption through Jesus’ blood” (v. 7) and “forgiveness of our sins, through the riches of his grace that God lavished on us” (v. 8). We have obtained an inheritance” (v. 11). We have redemption through Jesus’ blood,,,the riches of God’s grace,,,,God’s inheritance. More lavish than Herod’s birthday feast. Every day we have been gifted eternal salvation, life-giving power.
The true riches of grace. Our inheritance, Paul reminds us, is destined to believe the Gospel … we are marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit (v. 13). We receive the life-giving power of Christ. There is no tiger to fall off, but, instead the rich blessing of eternal salvation – Thanks be to God!
As we join one another in the Sacrament of Holy Communion, let us remember we come to the table of Jesus Christ knowing we are not powerful, but powerless without, our Rock and our Redeemer. Christ died for our sins, so that we may live. Where do we get our power? God is OUR source of power – power that gives life, brings blessings, shapes this world in the eyes of God. To humbly come to this table, to this gift of Sacrament, as community. To be more compassionate when we have power, and less frustrated when it seems we don’t have any power. Herod had power. That power killed John. Right here today, we are reminded that, as Christians, our source of power is not riding the tiger, the power of this world. But God’s life-giving power through Jesus Christ our Rock and Savior. Let us be intentional and ever seeking ways to use this life-giving power, this gift of the Gospel
Amen.
Bible References
- Ephesians 1:3 - 14
- Mark 6:14 - 29
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