Moving within the world:
Dominion Over
or
Service to
The third formal temptation that comes to Christ occurs while atop a mountain. There, the devil shows Jesus all of the kingdoms of the world and tells him that it can all belong to him. All Jesus has to do is bow down and worship satan, or so the devil says. But Christ sees it for what it is: taking control and power over humanity, and placing faith and trust in that power over instead of service to and kinship with others.
It’s a temptation to want to control others whether that be for selfish gain or even for some “moral or sacred good” - this is the essence of White Christian Nationalism that blesses the seizing of worldly power to bring about their understanding of the kingdom of God. Christ understands that satan is offering the keys to all of the kingdoms, suggesting that under new ownership it could be better. But this is the error of Kings and want-to-be-Kings and politicos everywhere - often fooled into thinking that a regime change can fundamentally change the nature of the empire. Christ’s imagination of the “Kingdom” or “Empire of God” is not just the same hierarchical way of order shaped by power, but something akin to beloved community.
The Kingdom of God is something that cannot be created through any power over, but only emerges by way of a power from below (service and solidarity) and a power with (cooperation and community). Christ sees the offer of control for what it is - no means to any good end - and passes.
We can gain much from this wisdom.
There is no kingdom too small for the ego to want to rule it
The world is filled with tiny fiefdoms.
For while we may be tempted to apply this instruction to those at the very top of the world’s kingdoms and nations and White Christian Nationalists, it is not just for “them” but for all of us. For the idea and temptation to take control over a situation or a household or a business comes to all of us. There is no kingdom too small for the ego. And there is no shortage of small kingdoms around the world, run by big egos certain that their control of and power over a family, a company, a state is justified and best.
The invitation is for us to reflect on how we may have given in to the temptation to want control of, and the temptation to take control of, using a power over another. The invitation is to step down from the throne of that kingdom and place our trust not in the idol of power over, but in the strength of power to serve and power with others. This approach may not result in an immediate change, but that’s the foolishness of the temptation in the first place - a change of kings doesn’t change the nature of a kingdom. Christ invites us to abandon the throne and the idea of a hierarchical kingdom of power over, and co-create something much more faithful, true, and life-giving.
The Community of Christ. The Kingdom/Kin-dom of God.
May we place our trust in the power of love, service, solidarity, kinship, and community, and come to receive the blessings of life that this power brings into the world.
Peace,
Rev. Chris McCreight
Transcript and Video of the sermon, “This Could All Be Yours Someday”
In Our Church and Community:
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The Village is gathering groups and organizations to share their upcoming events with the community. If you’re looking for opportunities to connect with neighbors around shared interests and shared service, stop in at Dix Hall in the Kennedy Center of Hiram College. The church will also be represented to share a bit about what we do and how folks can be involved.
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The Common Good will be hosting a gathering in the fellowship hall to discuss how people of faith may be politically engaged for “the common good.” Lunch will be served and time will be given to connect, learn about current matters, and advocate in letter writing campaigns and/or making protest signs in preparation for the nationwide event on March 28th.
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Invite friends, family, and neighbors to this storytelling event where legends, myth, and memory will be shared.
Whether it’s a story of recent memory of parents or siblings, or the legends of ancestors from centuries ago, what we remember shapes us. And it’s worthy of sharing.
Church Fellowship Hall
Refreshments will be provided. BYOB.
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Sarah Park is organizing a concert to benefit Kids Weekend Meals. She’ll be joined by a vocalist and violinist to perform a repertoire of classical music. The event is free and open to the public. There will be a good will donation and all proceeds will go to support Kids Weekend Meals, which provides families in the Crestwood District with groceries to cover the weekend.
Church office hours: Mondays & Wednesdays 9:30-3:30; Thursdays 2:30-5pm
Open to the Public
Sunday, March 22 from 12:30-2pm in the Fellowship Hall
Holy Week Schedule:
“Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who
thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who
speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.”