Chapter 9
With Isaiah 52 and Zechariah 12 as a basis, this chapter reveals the current issues of oppression, discrimination and the need for justice. In connection with deliverance in the Scriptures it shows that there are present-day struggles in the fight against oppression yet it provides both encouragement and support for people of faith who believe in the ultimate justice of God.
Oppression and Tyranny
In every period of history, people have been subjected to some type of tyranny, oppression or evil, including physical and spiritual forms. Jesus’s life, death and resurrection offers us more than hope, but deliverance from those shackles— “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18). In this chapter, we look at how Jesus delivers us from external and internal oppression and tyranny, and how we are commissioned to respond to these injustices in the world.
Morning Star and Rooster
Tyranny, characterized by oppressive rule, has plagued civilizations since ancient times, with its roots tracing back to ancient Greece, where leaders known as "tyrants" seized power through force or manipulation. This form of governance is marked by the concentration of power in the hands of one individual or a small group, leading to the suppression of freedoms and the enforcement of control through fear and coercion. Despite its widespread presence throughout history, tyranny fails to prosper in the long run due to its instability.
Reliance on fear and force can only sustain control for so long before the oppressed rise against the oppressor, seeking freedom and justice. Democratic and spiritual principles ensure that tyranny ultimately crumbles, making way for a more just and equitable government.
Isaiah 14:1-4 foretells the liberation of the oppressed and the downfall of tyrannical rulers, promising that the oppressors will be brought low. Just as historical tyrants have ultimately crumbled under the weight of their injustices, Isaiah’s prophecy reassures us that the struggle will not be in vain. Isaiah's prophecy is a timeless truth: "tyranny, no matter how powerful it may appear, is destined to fail." Power built on fear and oppression cannot endure the relentless pursuit of freedom.
The "morning star" is often used to describe the planet Venus when it appears in the east before sunrise, shining brightly in the early morning sky. However, God associates it with Satan, as a fallen angel in verse 12, "My, how you’ve fallen from the heights of heaven! O morning star, son of the dawn! Remember how you said to yourself, 'I will ascend to heaven—reach higher and with more power—and set my throne high above God’s own stars?'" In Isaiah 14:12, the "morning star" or "Lucifer" is depicted as a fallen angel who sought to elevate himself above God. His ambition to "ascend to heaven" and set his throne "high above God’s own stars" for ultimate power and supremacy is much like tyrants who seek to dominate through force and fear. The verse is a stark reminder of the dangers of conceit and the inevitable downfall that follows. In contrast, God's promise to Abraham is one of hope, blessing, and prosperity. In Genesis 15:5, God promises Abraham that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky.
Unlike the fallen morning star, who sought power through rebellion, Abraham's legacy is one of obedience and faith. They highlight a profound truth: while the path of tyranny and self-exaltation leads to downfall, the path of faith and obedience leads to restoring blessings that last. God's promise to Abraham reveals that true greatness comes not from seeking power over others but from aligning oneself with God's purpose. They remind us that despite the allure of power, it is the humble and obedient who ultimately prevail and prosper.
Recall that one of Jesus' followers, Judas Iscariot, turned him over to the Jewish leaders, which resulted in Jesus’ imprisonment and later crucifixion. The Jewish leaders who conspired against Jesus were authoritative figures who wielded significant religious and political power. They acted out of fear of losing their authority and influence, driven by a desire to maintain control. Another historical example that stands out is the actions of the Stasi in East Germany during the Cold War. The Ministry for State Security, known as the Stasi, was infamous for its extensive surveillance and ruthless suppression of anyone who opposed them. To maintain control over the population, the Stasi employed tactics such as mass spying, imprisonment, and even psychological harassment against those deemed a threat.
Let's consider the time when Peter, one of Jesus' most devoted disciples, insistently declared, “It doesn’t matter who else turns his back on you. I will never deny you." Jesus responded, “Mark my words. This very night before the rooster crows twice, you will have denied me three times.” Despite this, Peter says, “No, Teacher. Even unto death, I’ll never deny you.” There were similar affirmations from the other disciples; Jesus’ prediction came true. They all denied him three times before the rooster crowed.
Peter's interaction with Jesus reveals the truth about human nature: despite our best intentions, we can falter in moments of fear and pressure. It echoes the parable of the Sower, where the seed (representing the word of God) falls upon us. Some of it is cut out, while some of it withers away, and some fall among the wicked but are choked out. This parable illustrates how people respond differently to God's word. The parable and Peter’s denial both underscore the reality that mankind’s efforts to uphold liberty and justice often falter, despite the best of intentions. Good deeds alone is not sufficient to withstand challenges and temptations. However, the parable also offers hope: “But the one who hears and understands God's word. He or she indeed bears good fruit and yields more than that.” Jesus’ response to Peter and the parable of the Sower teach that human strength is fallible, but obedience and faith come from a deep commitment to upholding the truth, and those who genuinely embrace these principles are genuine in their actions and are to be honored as men and women of integrity, despite their shortcomings.
In Isaiah 14, God’s promise is clear: “I will extend mercy to this family. God will choose them once again, and those who are unrelated will want to join them and stick close to them. Whoever holds another captive—controlling their every moment and every move—will in turn be controlled.” This showcases God’s plan to uplift those who truly understand and embrace the truth, replacing the oppressive tyrants with leaders who uphold justice and liberty. God uplifts those who are committed to spiritual principles that free individuals and nations. Remember, it is through the spirit of Christ that understanding comes. Unlike Lucifer, the fallen one who sought power through rebellion, Abraham’s legacy of faith and obedience lives on. His children are like roosters, signaling the coming of our liberator, the one who sets us free.
Be like roosters, with a community of morning stars, pointing the way to Christ—the one and only Son who truly hears and understands God. By embodying the spirit of Christ, we rise above the temptation of tyranny and serve as beacons of liberty and justice in the world, reflecting true understanding of God's glory.