Hi dear
We take a slight detour from yesterday’s reflection to grasp a deeper understanding of God’s empire in our reflection on today’s Holy Nougat
“At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire …
All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census.” Luke 2:1, 3 NLT
According to the Lucan version of Jesus’ story, Caesar Agustus was the ruler just about the time when Jesus was born. It may seem somewhat insignificant but we must note that Augustus, Julius Caesar’s adopted son, born Gaius Octavius Thurninus, was Rome’s first emperor. Under his leadership, persons on military ‘work permits’ had access to citizenship and social mobility, and enslaved persons could purchase freedom. As such, many were drawn to him, because his rule offered social access and status.
It was during his reign that the empire expanded to include Egypt, Northern Spain, parts of Central Europe. While he was emperor, Augustus was declared ‘god’ of the Romans. One day Augustus determined that he needed to have a clear sense of the number of persons in his empire. And as emperor whatever Augustus declared, became fact. So much so that lives and livelihoods were disrupted to facilitate the census.
You see my dears, that is what being a ruler is about. A ruler determines the laws of the land under their jurisdiction and even who gets social, economic and even military access. Rulers may be benevolent or dictators; but the perception of their rule is often viewed differently by those who didn’t enjoy the benefits of their leadership.
And, nowadays, based on the views we have of the leader, we voice our opinions very publicly or in the polls. That was not the case under imperial Rome. Democracy was not in effect and public disagreement could cost a person their lives. Choosing therefore to pledge allegiance to the political leader was considered a wise and safe act. Despite their best efforts, the Roman Empire is no more.
Nevertheless if we were to consider our understanding of God’s empire, we will note that although there are many similarities, it is somewhat different. Like Augustus, God’s empire offers a mixing of classes and offers full citizenship to ‘migrants’. We recognize that unlike Augustus, God is Supreme Ruler of all creation for all time. Like Augustus, God’s empire stretches across multiple nations and races, but God’s reign includes people from Every Nation. And God’s Empire is Forever! When we make our pledge of allegiance to God by confessing Jesus as Lord, we are promising to obey God’s laws no matter what.
Can you imagine what would become of us if God’s empire was operated like the Roman Empire? We would have been long dead! But, thanks be to God, Jesus, the Living, Natural Son of God gave HIS Life to free us from condemnation when we call on His name. When we confess Jesus as Lord, this is the access we get. And we begin to reap the benefits of this empire on this side of eternity!
This is what we have signed up for! Regardless of who is currently in power in our country. Regardless of our economic, political or social status. Regardless of whether we sin today after confessing Jesus as Lord. Regardless of what others think of us. And when we truly begin to understand ourselves as citizens of God’s empire, we will find our lives are transformed. It is a win-win situation. The question is – do we truly believe what we have confessed? In Christ’s love and grace . . .
