Consumerism Consumes People

In the West we are now heavily programmed to consume. Whether it is food, clothing, or now electronic gadgets (laptops, tablets, phones) our way of life has lulled us into munching through these day upon day.

The problems with such consumption are many, but two to focus on here are the fact that it leads to 'de-humanising' of us all, and the process leads to consuming people. Unfair trade is now understood for many commodity food items, and is becoming understood regarding clothing. This article about working conditions in electronics manufacture sheds light on our supply of gadgets. Note some of the language used, such as 'human battery-farming system'.

In such a world people are no longer gifts to each other in relationship, but are objects of consumption - just like the gadgets themselves. All this is a far cry from the gospel, which celebrates the possibility of relationship for all humanity.

And that relationship has a solid basis - it is in the very nature of God. See how Peter recalls the majesty of Jesus, referring to the words heard from heaven: "This is my Son, whom I love" (2 Peter 1:17, recalling the transfiguration). The Father delights in the Son.

This is the model - for us to delight in each other.

Even if we were to achieve only a fraction of that kind of delight, it would not allow us to so blatantly consume our fellow human beings.

Long Range Prophecy

As you read the Old Testament a good practice is to keep an eye out for clues that link up with the New, or for concepts/thoughts/commands that New Testament writers (or commonly Jesus himself) then pick up on. It keeps you on your toes, and shows you that there is a trajectory, a greater deal going on all the time.

One such example is Jacob's blessing to his children, who will form the twelve tribal heads of Israel. Genesis 49 has this discourse, and much of it appears pretty random.

Yet look at the deal for Judah (verses 8-13). Out of Judah will be a ruler, extending across the family and outwards to nations. The whole 'lion of Judah' thing is here, coupled with an everlasting reign (v10).

And more! A sense of an ultimate one - King of the nations.

All sounds glorious ... yet washing garments in wine, robes in blood of grapes. Symbolic language here, but with hindsight we can see the connection: his own blood, then to be recalled through communion wine ... new wine of the Kingdom of God.

Jacob is giving a long range prophecy - pointing to King David, David's line, even to an ultimate King who's sanctification involves an extraordinary event and ritual.

Long range prophecy at its best!

Mission will mean getting upset

This week I have done the Live Below the Line challenge: £1 per person per day for food & drink for 5 days.  I did it partly for my own education, partly because I challenged my congregation to do it, but mostly to identify in some small way with the over 1 billion people who do not have the choice in the matter.

The day after, my system getting back to normal, I watched this film about the IF campaign - also on the subject of world hunger. At the end I found myself emotionally fatigued and crying. Not just because of the issue of world hunger, but also because of the broken people I had directly worked with and prayed for in the week.

That is the risk of identifying with people, and getting in amongst them (being incarnational, to use the technical jargon): we will get upset. God's mission cannot be done in a safe detached bubble - it gets alongside, it exposes, it shares the anguish.

Jesus did no less: Philippians 2:6f Jesus came among us, got alongside, exposed himself to the risks, shared the anguish (Jesus wept, longed for Jerusalem etc.). Mission will mean getting upset.

Mums are important too

Its easy to read the Old Testament as purely patriarchal: its about the blokes, who perform most of the action, and take just about all the key roles. I've even heard people cite the female leaders as 'unexplained exceptions' to an otherwise male-only rule.

Yes, there is lots of 'son of X', 'father of Y' kind of language throughout. The genealogies are basically male-lineage based - though look carefully and various women are mentioned even in these listings.

Read 2 Chronicles. From Rehoboam onwards just about each king has his mother's name specifically mentioned - in most cases part of the introductory formula used to usher in the next part of the story.

In other words the mums are important too. Yes Jewish reckoning goes by the male line, but for the dynasty of king David the female lineage must also be factored in.

God created male and female. Paul recognised the inter-dependence (see 1 Cor 11:11-12). The Old Testament bears this out.