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eiffel tower, paris, france

Great Expectations

by | Mar 20, 2024 | Article | 0 comments

For those who don’t understand the complexity of living with an oppressive individual, consider this narrative:

Anna dreamed of growing up and moving to France. She read books about French art and landmarks. She imagined what it would feel like to sit in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower sipping tea. When the day came, she packed her bags and boarded the plane… only to arrive in China.

She wasn’t prepared for China. She didn’t have the currency, know the language or landmarks. She felt alone, betrayed, confused, grieved, and, sometimes, angry. This wasn’t what she had in mind at all. It’s not what she wanted, dreamed of, and looked forward to. Be that as it may, she learned to live in China.

Of course, there is nothing inherently wrong with China, but living under the authority and power of an oppressive individual is like moving to an unfamiliar country. Young men and women think about getting married and having a family. Many of them make decisions and prepare themselves “to have and to hold, to love and to cherish till death do us part.”

Instead, the ongoing tension and fear of oppression affects every part of life:  eating, drinking, sleeping, working, raising children, going to church, shopping, reading mail, and taking phone calls. The habitual control of one person over another doesn’t reflect God’s design for relationships. It doesn’t reflect God’s plan for individuals. It certainly doesn’t reflect the relationship of Christ and His Church; Christ who, 

knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (John 13:3-5 ESV)

Jesus, having all authority, has put individuals in authority to use it as He does*–for the good of others (Romans 13:4). A Christlike environment results in mutual edification, growth, peace, joy, and unity. In a relationship where Jesus rules and reigns, we find belonging and acceptance. We have discovered a taste of Home.

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