Serving Zion
Member
We live in the age of democracy. Any form of government that is not democratic, is thought of as being oppressive, and governments rely upon the support of the people to sustain their claim to power - which is why democracy is the instrument of choice.
Daniel 2 sets out a prophecy for the eventual coming of the everlasting reign of Christ's kingdom: there is a statue depicting various stages of the empire known as "Babylon the Great". It is so called Babylon the Great, because it shows the history of the empire of humankind's worldwide superpower throughout the ages. The first stage was the most pure, depicted by a head of gold. That empire was called the Babylonian Empire, because it was King Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, who received the prophetic dream.
Through the various stages where the empire changes hands, from one civilization to another, it also becomes gradually inferior to it's origin. The head of gold merges into a chest of silver, to a torso of bronze, legs of iron and lastly the feet which are made of a mixture of iron and clay:
There is no insignificance in the properties used to depict the descent of the Empire. The value of the materials has remained virtually the same through the ages: gold is used for invoking fear. It is an instrument used for influence by elite, wealthy classes. Silver is rather a currency to purchase with. It is with silver that the value of goods is measured, from food to land. Bronze is used for decor and weapons, while iron is an industrial metal. Finally, the clay is really good for nothing, but nonetheless, there it is, found mingled with the last remaining fragments of iron, at the feet; the very thing that is supporting the full stature of the statue.
Now what is interesting about all of this, is that empires are traditionally seen as institutions of power that rule over the people - and here in the very last stage, it is seen that the people are in fact the thing that is supporting the institution! .. and furthermore, the institution is divided, meaning that they have distributed the power among a number of competing parties. It is said that "although they will try to strengthen the kingdom by intermarrying, it will not succeed, for iron and clay don't mix".
And so I found it very interesting to hear a thing that caught my attention today, as I reflect upon how the ruling class has become so unable to support itself through the inherent weakness of it, and now we have commentators in the media, (remember, they have the unofficial role of political ambassadors of the people), now saying that "we can no longer think of the justice department watching over and being the arbiter of what is fair or responsible or constitutional". Let that sink in. And then listen to what he says about the politicians next.
What is the point of my sharing this, you might ask? .. well, that's an interesting question. But we are members of the one body, and each has been appointed a role in that body. Now, when each member does it's part effectively, it builds itself up in love. There also is the warning given, that if the one appointed to see danger coming doesn't raise the alarm, then the blood will be demanded from him. I certainly don't want to be responsible for bloodshed. I am vegan exactly for that reason alone.
Daniel 2 sets out a prophecy for the eventual coming of the everlasting reign of Christ's kingdom: there is a statue depicting various stages of the empire known as "Babylon the Great". It is so called Babylon the Great, because it shows the history of the empire of humankind's worldwide superpower throughout the ages. The first stage was the most pure, depicted by a head of gold. That empire was called the Babylonian Empire, because it was King Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, who received the prophetic dream.
Through the various stages where the empire changes hands, from one civilization to another, it also becomes gradually inferior to it's origin. The head of gold merges into a chest of silver, to a torso of bronze, legs of iron and lastly the feet which are made of a mixture of iron and clay:
There is no insignificance in the properties used to depict the descent of the Empire. The value of the materials has remained virtually the same through the ages: gold is used for invoking fear. It is an instrument used for influence by elite, wealthy classes. Silver is rather a currency to purchase with. It is with silver that the value of goods is measured, from food to land. Bronze is used for decor and weapons, while iron is an industrial metal. Finally, the clay is really good for nothing, but nonetheless, there it is, found mingled with the last remaining fragments of iron, at the feet; the very thing that is supporting the full stature of the statue.
Now what is interesting about all of this, is that empires are traditionally seen as institutions of power that rule over the people - and here in the very last stage, it is seen that the people are in fact the thing that is supporting the institution! .. and furthermore, the institution is divided, meaning that they have distributed the power among a number of competing parties. It is said that "although they will try to strengthen the kingdom by intermarrying, it will not succeed, for iron and clay don't mix".
And so I found it very interesting to hear a thing that caught my attention today, as I reflect upon how the ruling class has become so unable to support itself through the inherent weakness of it, and now we have commentators in the media, (remember, they have the unofficial role of political ambassadors of the people), now saying that "we can no longer think of the justice department watching over and being the arbiter of what is fair or responsible or constitutional". Let that sink in. And then listen to what he says about the politicians next.
What is the point of my sharing this, you might ask? .. well, that's an interesting question. But we are members of the one body, and each has been appointed a role in that body. Now, when each member does it's part effectively, it builds itself up in love. There also is the warning given, that if the one appointed to see danger coming doesn't raise the alarm, then the blood will be demanded from him. I certainly don't want to be responsible for bloodshed. I am vegan exactly for that reason alone.