false power
November 25, 2018
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Somehow during our Thanksgiving lunch the movie Rocky became part of the conversation. I was shocked to learn that two of the eighteen people at our house had not seen Rocky. I love the Rocky movies. Not all of them of course. I don’t know anyone who loves those two unfortunate movies that carry the Rocky name, but I’ve forgiven the creators for those.
Now, when it comes to the original Rocky, every time I watch it I’m like a kid again. My Dad and I always connected through movies and Rocky was one of them. At times Dad and I would have entire conversations using lines from the movie. As deep as that connection is, my Dad is not the only reason I love Rocky the way I do. It certainly plays a big part, but the story itself plays a big part too.
Did any of you know that every major movie company turned Sylvester Stallone down when he pitched his Rocky idea to them? Every one of them said no, but not because the story wasn’t great. They initially said no because they wanted a big named actor to star in it and Stallone insisted on playing the role of Rocky Balboa. They all believed Rocky was a sports movie while Stallone insisted it was a love story. Now I’m no movie critic, and no expert, but I agree with Stallone, Rocky is a love story, but it’s more than a love story, Rocky is a life story. It’s a story of ups and downs… Of successes and failures… Of hope and heartache… Of humility and arrogance. It’s those last two that continue to speak to me after all these years – humility and arrogance.
***********************************
Students of history will tell you that arrogance is always a factor in the falling of an empire. In fact, arrogance always plays a role in people falling from any/all positions of power, and it always has.
Arrogance is not a beloved trait. In fact, I can’t think about anything I find redeeming about the character trait of arrogance. People never willingly rally around an arrogant leader, and when they do appear to support that leader they tend to do so out of fear, or because of self-preservation. Arrogant leaders do know how to love, its just the object of their love is themselves. In fact, arrogant leaders are so self-focused, they tend to believe they are the only person smart enough, strong enough, mature enough, powerful enough, _______________ enough to complete whatever task needs to be completed. They only trust themselves, even if they say they trust others.
In this way, being arrogant really means you can’t lead anyone. Yet, over and over and over again, people in top positions all around the world are arrogant, and historically that arrogance has been their downfall.
***********************************
Take Alexander the Great and the Greek Empire he ruled.
Few historical figures are as recognized as Alexander the Great who believed his ability, focus, and determination would enable him to conquer and rule the world. Have you ever asked yourself this question, though – Was he really Great?
It seems answering that question depends on where you live in the world. In America, we have a special affinity for Alexander because we’ve come to believe that his life and his career, short as they were, were glorious and therefore the model for what can be accomplished if conventional restraints are eliminated. By focusing on glory, though, the narrative seems to lose some of its truth. You see, Alexander was focused on one thing, conquest and he was willing to pay whatever price necessary.
As Steve Forbes and John Prevas wrote back in June 2009, “[A]n idealized or romantic view of Alexander’s conquests often overshadows some of the negative aspects of his leadership style… Though idolized in the West, he is not always viewed in the East as an enlightened leader guiding the barbarians toward the light of Greek learning and culture.” In those areas he ruthlessly conquered, “Alexander … is often portrayed as an early example of Western cultural arrogance and exploitation.
The real story of Alexander is a tragic case of what happens when too much power is concentrated in hands not strong enough to use it constructively or wisely. Each successive conquest and the power and wealth that came with it bred arrogance in Alexander instead of caution, moderation, and reflection. He not only destroyed himself but carried with him an entire civilization that believed his success was confirmation of its cultural superiority over the rest of humanity.”[1]
***********************************
Now, when you follow the Revised Common Lectionary as I’ve done this year, sometimes you wonder why certain parts of the story in scripture were used, while others were not. Today is one of those times for me, because I feel like our scripture for today is better understood within Daniel’s overall vision which begins in verse one of chapter seven. This vision is really about kingdoms and the ruler of those kingdoms. Daniel’s account of his dream/vision begins in verse two and it is there that he tells about the four mighty beasts he saw emerge from the sea. One was a lion with eagle’s wings. One looked like a bear. Another a leopard and a fourth was more brutal than the rest. The fourth had iron teeth and ten horns. Then listen to what Daniel said in verse eight, “I was considering the horns, when another horn appeared, a little one coming up among them; to make room for it, three of the earlier horns were plucked up by the roots. There were eyes like human eyes in this horn, and a mouth speaking arrogantly.”
Now, it is believed these beasts are representative of specific kingdoms. The winged lion being the Babylonian kingdom, the bear the Medes, the leopard the Persians and the fourth beast the Greek empire of Alexander the Great. Assuming this is correct, then this entire story is really about kingdoms and their rulers.
Four of these kingdoms are ruthless conquerors, and one of the four is arrogant on top of that. But then this story is not just about those four kingdoms, it’s also about God’s kingdom. A kingdom that is benevolent and focused on justice for all people. A kingdom above all other kingdoms.
Those other kingdoms… well they don’t last. Just listen to Daniel’s words in verses eleven and twelve, “I watched then because of the noise of the arrogant words that the horn was speaking. And as I watched, the beast was put to death, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. 12 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.”
You see, the kingdoms of the beasts don’t last, but God’s kingdom is everlasting.
This is a story about kingdoms and their rulers.
Four of these kingdoms are represented by people who have given into beastly desires, while dominion, glory and kingship of God’s kingdom was given to one who embraced being like a human. One who embraced being created in God’s image.
Four of these kingdoms place their trust in False power, while one, place’s it’s trust in ultimate power.
Sadly, Daniel’s re-telling of his dream isn’t a story stuck in time. His story of kingdoms, empires and their rulers giving into their own beastly desires is a story that has happened over and over and over again. Even worse, it is a story that keeps happening today right in front of our eyes. Arrogance is killing us, just like it did the fourth beast. It’s as though we believe that being human is not good enough, yet in this story dominion isn’t given to the arrogant beasts, it’s given to one like a human being. It’s given to one created in God’s image of love, justice, mercy and grace.
And why is it given to one like a human being. Well that’s because he/she brings hope, something we all need. Hope that the beasts will not prevail. Hope that everything will get better. Hope that justice will be pursued. Hope that Grace and mercy truly will rain down. You see, hope gives each and every one of us something to cling to… something to believe in… and we need that. Always have.
*********************************************
Daniel’s dream lets me know arrogance doesn’t actually win. Daniel’s dream lets me see that arrogance is really the character trait of a beast. Daniel’s dream helps me better understand why I am so emotionally attached to Rocky Balboa. Even though I know Rocky will not prevail at each stage of his journey. Even though I know there are times when the arrogant beast appears to win.
I cling tight to knowing that the ever-humble Rocky remains in the game doing everything he knows to do to love others.
I cling tight to knowing in the end Rocky’s humility and love of others will carry him through.
I cling tight to hope because I need it. I cling tight to knowing that there are Rocky Balboa’s in this world because they choose to be like a human being instead of a beast.
And here’s the thing, its our choice too and it is my prayer we choose the same.
Amen!
[1] Forbes, Steve & Prevas, John, https://www.forbes.com/2009/06/18/alexander-great-hubris-leadership-power.html#5dba2247462e
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Somehow during our Thanksgiving lunch the movie Rocky became part of the conversation. I was shocked to learn that two of the eighteen people at our house had not seen Rocky. I love the Rocky movies. Not all of them of course. I don’t know anyone who loves those two unfortunate movies that carry the Rocky name, but I’ve forgiven the creators for those.
Now, when it comes to the original Rocky, every time I watch it I’m like a kid again. My Dad and I always connected through movies and Rocky was one of them. At times Dad and I would have entire conversations using lines from the movie. As deep as that connection is, my Dad is not the only reason I love Rocky the way I do. It certainly plays a big part, but the story itself plays a big part too.
Did any of you know that every major movie company turned Sylvester Stallone down when he pitched his Rocky idea to them? Every one of them said no, but not because the story wasn’t great. They initially said no because they wanted a big named actor to star in it and Stallone insisted on playing the role of Rocky Balboa. They all believed Rocky was a sports movie while Stallone insisted it was a love story. Now I’m no movie critic, and no expert, but I agree with Stallone, Rocky is a love story, but it’s more than a love story, Rocky is a life story. It’s a story of ups and downs… Of successes and failures… Of hope and heartache… Of humility and arrogance. It’s those last two that continue to speak to me after all these years – humility and arrogance.
***********************************
Students of history will tell you that arrogance is always a factor in the falling of an empire. In fact, arrogance always plays a role in people falling from any/all positions of power, and it always has.
Arrogance is not a beloved trait. In fact, I can’t think about anything I find redeeming about the character trait of arrogance. People never willingly rally around an arrogant leader, and when they do appear to support that leader they tend to do so out of fear, or because of self-preservation. Arrogant leaders do know how to love, its just the object of their love is themselves. In fact, arrogant leaders are so self-focused, they tend to believe they are the only person smart enough, strong enough, mature enough, powerful enough, _______________ enough to complete whatever task needs to be completed. They only trust themselves, even if they say they trust others.
In this way, being arrogant really means you can’t lead anyone. Yet, over and over and over again, people in top positions all around the world are arrogant, and historically that arrogance has been their downfall.
***********************************
Take Alexander the Great and the Greek Empire he ruled.
Few historical figures are as recognized as Alexander the Great who believed his ability, focus, and determination would enable him to conquer and rule the world. Have you ever asked yourself this question, though – Was he really Great?
It seems answering that question depends on where you live in the world. In America, we have a special affinity for Alexander because we’ve come to believe that his life and his career, short as they were, were glorious and therefore the model for what can be accomplished if conventional restraints are eliminated. By focusing on glory, though, the narrative seems to lose some of its truth. You see, Alexander was focused on one thing, conquest and he was willing to pay whatever price necessary.
As Steve Forbes and John Prevas wrote back in June 2009, “[A]n idealized or romantic view of Alexander’s conquests often overshadows some of the negative aspects of his leadership style… Though idolized in the West, he is not always viewed in the East as an enlightened leader guiding the barbarians toward the light of Greek learning and culture.” In those areas he ruthlessly conquered, “Alexander … is often portrayed as an early example of Western cultural arrogance and exploitation.
The real story of Alexander is a tragic case of what happens when too much power is concentrated in hands not strong enough to use it constructively or wisely. Each successive conquest and the power and wealth that came with it bred arrogance in Alexander instead of caution, moderation, and reflection. He not only destroyed himself but carried with him an entire civilization that believed his success was confirmation of its cultural superiority over the rest of humanity.”[1]
***********************************
Now, when you follow the Revised Common Lectionary as I’ve done this year, sometimes you wonder why certain parts of the story in scripture were used, while others were not. Today is one of those times for me, because I feel like our scripture for today is better understood within Daniel’s overall vision which begins in verse one of chapter seven. This vision is really about kingdoms and the ruler of those kingdoms. Daniel’s account of his dream/vision begins in verse two and it is there that he tells about the four mighty beasts he saw emerge from the sea. One was a lion with eagle’s wings. One looked like a bear. Another a leopard and a fourth was more brutal than the rest. The fourth had iron teeth and ten horns. Then listen to what Daniel said in verse eight, “I was considering the horns, when another horn appeared, a little one coming up among them; to make room for it, three of the earlier horns were plucked up by the roots. There were eyes like human eyes in this horn, and a mouth speaking arrogantly.”
Now, it is believed these beasts are representative of specific kingdoms. The winged lion being the Babylonian kingdom, the bear the Medes, the leopard the Persians and the fourth beast the Greek empire of Alexander the Great. Assuming this is correct, then this entire story is really about kingdoms and their rulers.
Four of these kingdoms are ruthless conquerors, and one of the four is arrogant on top of that. But then this story is not just about those four kingdoms, it’s also about God’s kingdom. A kingdom that is benevolent and focused on justice for all people. A kingdom above all other kingdoms.
Those other kingdoms… well they don’t last. Just listen to Daniel’s words in verses eleven and twelve, “I watched then because of the noise of the arrogant words that the horn was speaking. And as I watched, the beast was put to death, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. 12 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.”
You see, the kingdoms of the beasts don’t last, but God’s kingdom is everlasting.
This is a story about kingdoms and their rulers.
Four of these kingdoms are represented by people who have given into beastly desires, while dominion, glory and kingship of God’s kingdom was given to one who embraced being like a human. One who embraced being created in God’s image.
Four of these kingdoms place their trust in False power, while one, place’s it’s trust in ultimate power.
Sadly, Daniel’s re-telling of his dream isn’t a story stuck in time. His story of kingdoms, empires and their rulers giving into their own beastly desires is a story that has happened over and over and over again. Even worse, it is a story that keeps happening today right in front of our eyes. Arrogance is killing us, just like it did the fourth beast. It’s as though we believe that being human is not good enough, yet in this story dominion isn’t given to the arrogant beasts, it’s given to one like a human being. It’s given to one created in God’s image of love, justice, mercy and grace.
And why is it given to one like a human being. Well that’s because he/she brings hope, something we all need. Hope that the beasts will not prevail. Hope that everything will get better. Hope that justice will be pursued. Hope that Grace and mercy truly will rain down. You see, hope gives each and every one of us something to cling to… something to believe in… and we need that. Always have.
*********************************************
Daniel’s dream lets me know arrogance doesn’t actually win. Daniel’s dream lets me see that arrogance is really the character trait of a beast. Daniel’s dream helps me better understand why I am so emotionally attached to Rocky Balboa. Even though I know Rocky will not prevail at each stage of his journey. Even though I know there are times when the arrogant beast appears to win.
I cling tight to knowing that the ever-humble Rocky remains in the game doing everything he knows to do to love others.
I cling tight to knowing in the end Rocky’s humility and love of others will carry him through.
I cling tight to hope because I need it. I cling tight to knowing that there are Rocky Balboa’s in this world because they choose to be like a human being instead of a beast.
And here’s the thing, its our choice too and it is my prayer we choose the same.
Amen!
[1] Forbes, Steve & Prevas, John, https://www.forbes.com/2009/06/18/alexander-great-hubris-leadership-power.html#5dba2247462e
