For the fall and rising of many

As I watched and read the news of the changes taking place in our neighbour country up north, I thought of Simeon’s prophesy in this week’s Gospel Luke 2: 22-32. ‘Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed.’

Jesus appointment however was different. It was not a worldly appointment of governance but a divine appointment. And His cause of the fall and rising of many was not due to a display of worldly power, but to an offer to adopt a new way of life.

His was an invitation to a kingdom not built on force or political maneuvering but on truth, mercy, and self-giving love. Those who accepted His way—embracing humility, justice, and faith—rose to new life, while those who clung to power, self-interest, and resistance to grace found themselves unsettled and exposed.

The opposition He faced was not merely from rulers and authorities but from all who were unwilling to let go of their old ways. As I reflect on the upheavals in our neighboring country, I see echoes of this same tension—the struggle between holding on to familiar but failing systems and the courage to embrace something new, uncertain, yet potentially transformative. The question remains for every generation: will we rise with Jesus Christ or resist the invitation to change?

Earlier this week, while giving a friend a lift to his job site, he asked me my views on the political changes taking place in the world. I replied that I am more concerned with building Jesus’ kingdom. Jesus embarked on building a new kingdom, not on power, wealth and force but on truth and integrity.

I went on to explain that Jesus’ kingdom is not bound by national borders or political ideologies; it is a kingdom of the heart, where love, justice, and mercy reign. While earthly leaders come and go, and systems rise and fall, His call remains constant: to be peacemakers, to serve the least among us, and to live with integrity.

Politics may shape the world around us, but it is the transformation of hearts that truly changes history. My friend listened thoughtfully, then nodded and said, ‘Maybe that’s the kind of change we really need.’ His response reminded me that even in ordinary conversations, we have the opportunity to plant seeds of hope in a world longing for something greater.

Friend, I believe we have to be careful not to get overly anxious about political power, because no earthly kingdom will ever be our ultimate hope. While we should strive for justice and peace in our communities, our deepest trust must be in the unshakable kingdom of God. Jesus did not call us to fear or despair, but to faithfulness to live as witnesses of His truth, integrity, and love in whatever circumstances we find ourselves.

The world will continue to shift, leaders will come and go, but Christ’s reign endures. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Him, building His kingdom in our hearts and in the lives of those around us, knowing that His light will never be overcome.