HeThe biggest news headline this week so far has been this shocking news out of South Korea about a power play made by its president who declared martial law in opposition to his political rivals. World leaders quickly condemned this authoritarian move that brought back painful reminders of previous dictators.
Protesters quickly took to the streets and confronted the military to voice their cries for freedom from the government. Later the Gen. Assembly also denounced the actions of the president. Ironically the South Korean president was legally elected by the people less than three years ago. He is a quick reminder of the spiritual truths and consequences of power.
- Corrupts
- Blinds
- Condemns
We’ve all heard the cliché, “With great power comes great responsibility,”The problem is it isn’t just a cliché, it is a very spiritual truth and warning for the people of God. We first see it in the garden after God gave Adam authority over the garden and creation, man’s desire for power soon led to the fall (Genesis 3:24-27.)
Power and authority tend to blind us. Unchecked power leads to oppression. When man is consumed by power, they oppress the people.
Oppress
We hear a lot about oppression around the world but fail to see and acknowledge it here in America, at least for now. Most of us know oppression as ruthless dictators who are oppressing and killing the people they govern.
But oppression is much more than tyranny and power-hungry dictators. The dictionary defines opress as, “To burden with cruel or unjust impositions or restraints; to put down.” Oppression is when people or a person with power abuses it for their own selfish gain.
Historically, America has had its issues with oppression, even after breaking free from British rule. Native Americans, African Americans, Asians, and Pacific Americans have all been oppressed in the United States at some point in time. We still have forms of oppression in America today.
Biblically, the church was warned and taught to stand against oppression (Matthew 5:1-48, Luke 4:18-19, Romans 12:19-20, 1 Timothy 5:8, James 1:27.) The Apostles remembered their Jewish education and teaching about those who oppress others.
Yānȃ
In the ancient world, it was common for those in power to oppress the people; God’s people often found themselves oppressed by other nations and governments. The rich and powerful abused their authority and positions to subdue and oppress poor people and nations.
This mistreatment of others was an abomination to God and He constantly warned His people not to oppress others like the rulers of this world (Exodus 22:21; 23:9, Deuteronomy 27:19, Psalm 9:9, Proverbs 14:31, Jeremiah 7:6, Isaiah 58:6, Amos 4:1, Zechariah 7:10, Malachi 3:5.)
The Hebrew word in the Old Testament for a press is yānâ and it can also mean, “Suppress, vex, maltreat, or do wrong to,” depending on the context it was used in. Slavery was common in the ancient world and the slaves were often mistreated by those whom they served. God’s people were often sold into slavery or exiled to foreign lands. Israel was oppressed and broken by the powers of this world:
- Egyptian exile
- Babylonian exile
- Persian exile
- Grecian exile
- Roman exile
The Messiah is prophesied to free God’s people from their exile (Isaiah 11:1-9.) The Messiah Himself is to be an oppressed and suffering Savior (Psalm 22:1-14, Isaiah 53:3.) Jesus suffered and was oppressed during His brief time here on earth, just as prophesied.
Jesus reminded His followers that God is near the brokenhearted and oppressed (Psalm 34:18-19, Matthew 5:3-11.) Jesus warned us that His followers would be persecuted and oppressed (Matthew 5:10-12, John 15:20.)
He rebuked His Disciples for wanting power to rule over others like earthly oppressors (Luke 9:54-55.) Humility teaches us that it takes more power not to use the power and authority we have (Matthew 23:12.) Nothing is more anti-Christian than seeking and abusing earthly power.
Russia
For more than a decade Russia has threatened or attacked its neighbors to the west or tried to overtake Ukraine by force. Since the beginning of winter, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine and its power grid.
Putin’s thirst for power has calloused his heart and he is willing to do whatever it takes to oppress and control Ukraine. He enlisted soldiers from other nations to help him on his quest, used ballistic missiles, and even threatened to use nuclear weapons to get what he wanted.
All while his own people are suffering from a collapsed economy. Putin has proved he is a tyrant by his actions against his own people and other nations.
- Greed
- Corruption
- Oppression
Corrupt and evil people are never satisfied unless they get everything they want. Again governments are supposed to serve the people, not themselves or their power-hungry rulers. When the balance of power is tipped, the people are yānâ!
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