What does it mean to be counter-cultural? Is it that we argue with everything in a country or culture? Or do we only travel with placards in protest against the establishment? Both are correct. And yet, there is another aspect for us to reflect on as people of faith. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Exodus 15:18 AFV
[18] The Lord shall reign forever and ever.”
God’s Reign as Counter-Cultural
In Moses’ time, placards were not yet part of the cultural landscape. I suspect they were introduced in many societies after the advent of the printing press. Moreover, these were former slaves, they would not necessarily have access to placards. It was not an essential aspect of their journey. So that’s not what was counter-cultural.
Rather, the entire nation, still nascent, was counter-cultural with their hymn to YHWH. Let us think further about the implications of the song.
Self-Check
Has our faith walk demonstrated our choice to go against the cultural norms by accepting Y’shua as our Saviour? How so?
Application
In assuming their independence from pharaoh’s rule, the Children of Israel were already being subversive. They had been enslaved for 400+ years and had no weapons with which to fight. Yet, they walked away as free people and with the gold from the land. All because of YHWH.
It was only natural that they would recognise God’s supernatural power, Azzi, as the source of their freedom.
Only God.
In singing of God’s power, they gave the glory to God. By claiming YHWH as a sovereign whose reign is eternal, Moses and the Children of Israel refuted all theologies and politics of their day. The hymn placed YHWH in the supreme leadership position. It renounced the authority of any other god or ruler with whom they came in contact.
That was revolutionary.
Had it been in Y’shua’s time, it could have been cause for crucifixion. For Pax Romana permitted no other ruler to be recognised as supreme. But Y’shua said otherwise. He offered all who followed Him access to that very same kingdom Moses referred to. He offers to the world an eternal empire, whose emperor is greater than all other leaders. That was contrary to state culture as it meant people were not obliged to claim allegiance to Rome, nor were they bound by its laws. Especially those that excluded and marginalised others.
That’s what Moses’ hymn encourages. It invites us to be subjects of a good God, Who sides with those who are oppressed and reviled. This hymn continues to shout to the nations that God is supreme and above all other rulers. That’s why all will bow before Y’shua.
In this ongoing season of foment, wars, and rumours of war, we are called to follow those who offer life in God’s name; rather than the death-dealing forces that are set to kill, steal, and destroy.
Point to Ponder
Y’shua offers abundant life to all. How are we sharing that offer with others?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
