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I read in the news recently how scientists have made some advancement in the technology
that makes objects invisible. A “cloak of invisibility” has long been the stuff of
legend and fantasy. But now, it seems, researchers have demonstrated that they are able to engineer
materials that redirect the light waves around a three-dimensional object, effectively making
it invisible. They have also made similar breakthroughs with sound waves. More and more,
it seems that what was yesterday’s science fiction is becoming today’s reality.
Sadly, although these inventions might have a peaceful application, technological breakthroughs
are often made in the context of war and aggression. We human beings have an insatiable appetite
for weapons that are ever more sophisticated and for the assured means to protect ourselves
against them. As Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 59, the nations of this world do not know
the way to peace. Weapons are a major item in world trade, and the principal export of
some economies. There are governments that force their people
to live in poverty, or even starvation, while they spend their resources on building improved
armies. By contrast, Jesus is the Prince of Peace,
and his Kingdom’s ‘principal export’ is to show the world the way to peace.
As Jesus reassured Pontius Pilate, the Kingdom of God did not pose a military threat.
“My Kingdom is not of this world,” he said. “If it were, my servants would fight.”
However, Jesus did not intend the establishment of his Kingdom to be a covert operation. He
said, “You are the light of the world. A town
built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a
bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In
the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your Father in heaven.” The Kingdom of God has no need for a “cloak
of invisibility” that bends light so that we cannot be seen.
On the contrary, we are called to a life of visibility—a life of reflecting the light
of Jesus so that the world may see him in us.
However, sometimes I think that some of us could make good use of that other technology
that suppresses sound waves. Sometimes the noise we make gets in the way of the light
we are called to reflect. So much of Christian communication seems to
be inspired primarily by John the Baptist, Elijah or the Old Testament prophets.
Isaiah 58:1 says, A large part of their responsibility was to “cry aloud and show my people their
sins.” Some Christians seem to regard their primary service as condemning the sins of
others, being accusers, and holding others in contempt.
But such a posture fails to even fully reflect the calling of these prophets much less those
who know and live on this side of the finished work of Christ—who has inaugurated his Kingdom
of righteousness and peace with God and our neighbors.
The Gospel will always call for repentance. But our primary message should be about grace,
forgiveness and the transforming power of God made available to us through the work
of Christ. I’m Joseph Tkach, Speaking of LIFE.