by Father Matthew Attia

Whether we like it or not, if we are in any relationship we are all involved in the exercise of power.  Power is in itself neutral.  It can be constructive bringing blessing and growth to others or it can be destructive when we use others.

The Throne

In Revelations 4, the Apostle John is allowed to look into heaven for just a moment.  The first thing he sees is a throne.  A throne above all thrones, on which acts the one who rules all things in the universe with absolute and eternal power.  Gathered around the throne are the four living creatures chanting the sanctus:  Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty who was and is to come (Rev 4:7-8).  Also gathered are the twenty-four elders worshipping the Lord and casting their crowns before the throne saying:

“You are worthy O Lord to receive Glory and Honour and Power.  For you created all things any by your will they exist and were created” (Rev 4, 10-11).

The Scroll

The opening focus of Revelation 5, is a scroll which contains the destiny of the world.  There is however only one person who is worthy of opening it: the lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David (Rev 5:5).  Who is this Great figure who exercises supreme power in human affairs?  It is no other than the lamb standing as though it had been slain (Rev 5:6).

Why is the Lamb Worthy?

Not because of sheer power is the lamb worthy, but rather because his power was totally invested in love and service for all humanity.  This clearly demonstrates the distinction between constructive and destructive power.

Our world is saturated with superficial images of power involving; money, wealth, prestige, ammunition.  Behind the reality of this world, however, is a deeper reality:  The kingdom of God.  In this kingdom, the way of power is the way of love, service, goodness, long-suffering and even weakness and humility.  If our weakness means harvesting our power in the service of others, then it is real power.

Whilst crucified on the cross it seemed as though the enemies of the saviour had defeated the lord.  However, we know that it was at the Golgotha that Christ won the ultimate victory.  At the point of deepest submission, vulnerability and humility there is found real power.

If therefore Christ is our God we too can harness our power for others growth.  It is possible for us to submit to each other rather fearing and dominating others.  It is possible for us to nurture hope and love in others rather than manipulating and deceiving them.  Thus we can in exercising power become:

A guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness instructors to the foolish, A teacher of babes (Rm 2:19-20).

If we prudently exercise the power entrusted to us, then we shall be among the great multitude of all nations, tribes, peoples and tongues standing before the throne and before the Lamb clothed with white robes, with palm branches and with a loud voice:

“Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb” (Rev 7:9-10).