Jesus Did Not: Barack Obama Can?

Jesus’ Unanswered Prayer
Soon to be US President Barack Obama, seems to be more THE ONE than even Neo in the Matrix. And in America at least, he seems to have scored one up on Jesus. Will Christian unity between Black and White America be his first achievement? Last time I checked not even God in Christ managed to get unity-preaching-but-not-practicing US Christians to unite. So what’s all the hoopla about?

Unity among Christians is bad enough. Unity between Black and White Christians in America on a Sunday morning is a whole different kettle of fish. Truly you have to see it to believe it.  I’ve experienced it. And as one coming from a different context, it was (and still is) ugly. Thus, I’m under no delusions that this is going to change anytime soon. And it isn’t that I’m being pessimistic or cynical. But when, this past week all kinds of Messianic notes start pealing from some American church bells – trust me that is much uglier. And vexing.

In John 17:11b, 21-23 Jesus prayed, for unity among the disciples. It never happened. We still hope that this prayer will not be the ‘one unanswered prayer or Jesus!’ Father…make them one even as you and I are one..so that the world might believe, is perhaps the reason why the world has been hissing their jaded teeth, rolling their eyes, and turning their backs at us. The Church is in a sorry divided and divisive state.

The world is yet to see modeled in Christianity, the unity it preaches. Now I know God doesn’t need my measly defense for being cheated of God’s Glory. And so soon after Epiphany. So I’ll admit to being vexed purely on account of my embarrassment as a member of the Church to hear congregations admit their shame and guilt at allowing racism to divide them NOW; when they had their Bibles open (I assume) all these years. Come on! All these years and they never sang – We Can! Till now..suddenly, they will?

Inauguration Sparks US Church Honesty?

This miraculous Inauguration of  President (by now) Barack Obama has been evoking all kinds of warm fuzzy sentiments for the past couple weeks.  Perhaps it’s the significance of the first African American President and Black family in the White House  under the haze of  Martin Luther King’s Dream. And don’t get me wrong – I am one pleased Black woman at this whole turn of events in world history mind you.

And those of you who know me, know that I am not at all reluctant to enter into a possible debate as to the Christic possibilities of the Obama event. It could yeild rich possibilities over some Chocklit Tea, Roast Breadfruit, Ackee & Saltfish.  Jamaica’s National Dish is excellent contextual food for contextual theologizing about a Black Messiah. So don’t think I have any qualms about going there. Bring it on!

But  what vexes me, is when sections of the Church are not prepared to deal with the hard truths of the Gospel under normal circumstances; and when all previous Advents never made them believe they could; and when they had convenient amnesia at Holy Communion; and when they never noticed before that they needed to repent AND merge; then along comes Barack the son  of Obama, a man who doesn’t even pretend to be headed to Jerusalem ( even if he is carrying a lot of crosses!) and they decide to hitch a ride on his inauguration wagon, just where do they hope to end up?

So I want to believe that these churches might have been reading the Marvian Gospel  chapter 1:1 by Marvia (me) below (Now before any of you who don’t read the Bible go check – this is fictional ok, so please don’t embarrass yourselves by checking Wikipedia or Google)

It goes like this…

And it came to pass on January 20th in the year 2009 while Agents kept watch by night (and day), the sheep of God wandered aimlessly about in the cold while the shepherds cozied up in warm luxurious quarters. Suddenly the glory shone around them and the munching sheep terrified, huddled together united in their bleating.  And they heard a voice from the media saying, ‘Stop the foolish bleating! Oonu choopid or what? Listen, we bring you breaking news of  global significance – To Di Worl (of Usain Bolt)!  For unto you is crowned this day in the capital of the world a….(and pandemonium broke out across the world and the poor sheep missed out hearing exactly who had come). And behold I shall do a new thing…

So is God using the foolish things of this world to confuse the wise? How far is too far…

Deafened by the bleating,
Marvia