Speaking Truth to Power
In a world that often encourages us to "speak truth to power," we find ourselves at a crossroads between human understanding and divine wisdom. This phrase, deeply ingrained in our political and social discourse, implies a moral imperative to stand up against injustice, particularly when confronting those in positions of authority. It's a rallying cry for the underdogs, a call to action that resonates with our desire for justice and change.
But what if we've misunderstood the true nature of power and truth?
Consider Jesus, the ultimate example of one who spoke truth to power. We see Him confronting Herod Antipas, calling him a "fox." We witness His silence before those who questioned Him unjustly. We hear His scathing rebukes of the scribes and Pharisees, calling them hypocrites, blind guides, and even a "brood of vipers." These moments might give us a sense of righteous satisfaction – a spiritual "Yes!" moment where we feel the thrill of speaking out against injustice.
However, there's a profound twist in Jesus' approach that we often overlook. When Jesus spoke truth to power, He wasn't speaking up to power – He was speaking down to it. This perspective shift is crucial to understanding the true nature of power and our place in God's kingdom.
As He stood before Pilate, Jesus didn't attempt to overthrow the Roman occupation. When confronting religious leaders, He didn't try to usurp their positions. Instead, He remained steadfastly focused on proclaiming God's kingdom, never embracing the agenda of human kingdoms. Why? because Jesus understood a fundamental truth that we often forget: He is not the underdog. He is powerful because He is truth itself.
"I am the way, the truth, and the life," Jesus declared. "No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
This statement isn't just a religious platitude; it's a declaration of ultimate authority. It challenges us to reconsider our understanding of power dynamics in light of God's sovereignty. When we truly grasp this, it changes how we approach speaking truth to power.
Consider the cost of speaking truth. Jesus paid the ultimate price – His life. Yet, even in His suffering and death, He demonstrated a profound truth: God is in control. In every situation, Jesus submitted to and obeyed God the Father. He stayed on point and remained faithful, even when it led Him to the cross.
This brings us to a challenging question: Do we really believe God is in control? Do we truly believe that His power is greater than any earthly authority, any election result, or any human system?
The evidence of our belief lies in our obedience. Throughout Scripture, from Deuteronomy to the words of Jesus Himself, we see this emphasis on obedience:
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15)
But this obedience isn't mere compliance. It's not about grudgingly following rules or finding loopholes. Faithful obedience, in its deepest sense, is about listening – a profound, eager listening that leans in to catch every word from God. The word "obedience" itself comes from the Latin "ob-audio," which means "to listen toward."
Imagine approaching God's word with anticipation – eager to hear, even when it challenges us. What would it look like to obey God with a posture of leaning in, with a big "Yes!" in our hearts, genuinely wanting to hear each word as if our lives depended on it?
This kind of obedience often runs counter to our natural inclinations. Consider some of Jesus' most famous teachings:
Embrace a surrendered and sacrificial life
Love your enemies
Do not take revenge; turn the other cheek
Forgive without ceasing
Share the best of who you are with those who can't reciprocate
Do not worry
Practice servanthood as the path to greatness
Protect yourself from greed
Do not judge or condemn if you don't want to be judged
Humble yourself
Which causes you to sit back rather than lean in with anticipation? Which ones challenge your natural responses to the world around you?
The core of the Christian life is this: finding abundant life by allowing the good wisdom of another – Jesus Christ – to override our own will. This is the essence of the Gospel. "I am the way," Jesus said, inviting us to follow Him, even when it goes against our instincts or the world's expectations.
We grow as followers of Jesus by deeply listening to Him within the faith community. When we stand before our own versions of Pilate, Herod, or Caesar, we must have internalized these teachings of Jesus-- and yes, even before we engage in that heated Facebook thread. The abundant life Jesus promises is on the other side of submission to Him.
So, as we consider the concept of speaking truth to power, let's remember that the most powerful truth is speaking to us right now. It's the voice of Jesus, calling us to a life of radical obedience, love, and humility. It's an invitation to see the world through His eyes, understand true power as submission to God's will, and speak truth not from a place of righteous indignation but from a heart overflowing with God's love and wisdom.
What would it be like to obey God with that kind of eager anticipation? How might it change your interactions with others, your approach to injustice, and your understanding of your own place in God's kingdom? As we wrestle with these questions, may we find ourselves leaning in, ears open, hearts ready, to hear and obey the One who is Truth itself.