Ruminant Covenant - The Sin
and Son Kingdoms
Messianic Advent
Messages - 1999
or
Slouching toward
sheephood
Seattle rocks to kingdom sounds!
8 December 1999
In the essence of Woodstock (or was it the 1968 Democratic National
Convention) the streets of Seattle were filled last week with a festival of
bands, each proclaiming its own particular type of music, to the listening ears
of the local population and as it turns out, the whole world. The mayor has
said that it was not the "Battle in Seattle" so within all the media
spin, let 's take a look at the bands that were present and see if we can
recognize some of the songs each ensemble brought to the festival.
The headliners were of course the "WTO" or "Wild Trading
Order". Their press release promised ease and satisfaction of all the
world's problems. "Just come and play with us we will satisfy all your
desires", was the lead cut on their CD. The WTO's lead singer
"Greed" for the most part sang off key, and the drummer "No
accountability" could be heard overshadowing all the tunes. The shear
numbers of the band were impressive, but each individual seemed to want to
lead. In the end however, perhaps the song "A committee of one, gets
something done!" still remained unsung.
The sponsoring rock band "Local Government" early in the fest
seemed as if they were high on some euphoria and sang "Were in the big
time now!" But quickly it seemed that perhaps they needed a little more
practice before taking to the streets. Thankfully, they had booked as backup a
few other groups who saved the whole show. Those groups, "The
Police", "National Guard", & "Trooper Time"
through their experience in previous gigs and much practice, seemed to save the
whole Seattle Show. While not making the list of the most popular bands during
the event they seemed to be able through their music, though again heavy with
percussion at times, to keep most of the crowds attention and kept them from
trashing the festival.
The band, "The Anarchists" really stole the show, or at least they
tried too. Their new grundge rock classic "Breaking Glass" could be
heard resounding through the streets. The problem was, it was a little
difficult to make out the words. They did perhaps forge a song that may be
destined to be a classic out side their grundge world. The tune "Burn
dumpster burn" seemed to be a chorus sung on street corners and just about
anywhere a suitable venue could be found. While I do not know the exact count
but perhaps nine members of this band were arrested for conduct unbecoming a
musician. But rumors of them being transported to the "Breaking Hard Rock
Hotel" are completely without verification. Unnamed sources do report
however, that some of the remaining members of the band are thinking about
changing there name to "The Terrorists" and try to crack or bring
down the billboards with there next hits.
The "Green Tree Huggers Collision" made some waves with the tune
"Free Willie the sea turtle" but the lyrics were not quite as sharp
as a street minstrels "Slick Willie is staying at the Westin" so most
listeners moved on to that other stage. Perhaps there most likeable tune that
could have a lasting effect upon the music world however, was the song,
"Save the rain, Forest" it had a syncopated beat that was quite
popular during many of the rainy days that occurred during this outdoor
concert. The line "I can't see Forest, for the rain" fit right in on
those soggy evenings.
"The Big Labor Band" was perhaps the most conventional band to
make the scene. There songs "Child sweatshop blues" and "Take that
cheap job and shove it!" were probably the most popular songs of the other
bands present. Many of the other bands are thought to be negotiating the rights
to these songs for their next CD's. Even though the "Labor Bands"
arrangements were known to lean toward red-necked country, most musicians
believed that the lyrics could be adapted to there particular style.
On Wednesday night a band made up of residents from Capital Hill, named
"My life, My way", entertained a rowdy overflow crowd with such tunes
as "Tear Gas Tangle" and "Rubber Bullet Bruises." The light
show that accompanied the performance was said to be the best of the whole
event. Continual heavy rain did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd
with many onlookers chanting for an encore presentation until well past
midnight.
A small acoustic band known as "Local merchants" entered a tune
"We've got the $12 million bummer" But their acoustic strings could
not be heard over the din of the other stages. Some anonymous source however
stated, that "While this song is appropriate in some circles it is not
needed in a world caliber rock fest such as this. If they really wanted to make
some money perhaps they should have sung "Santa Claus is coming to
town!" A spokesperson for the "Local Merchants" said that was
there first selection when they heard that Seattle was going to host the event,
but for some reason it got bumped off the program.
One song played by an unknown group had only one line that went something
like, "Ghandi was a Hindu, Nonviolently get in line with the force. All
your troubles are relative and will cease, All paths lead to god, Yea! Yea!
Yea! Yada! Yada! Yada! Amen! Amen! Amen!" This was repeated it seemed
millions of times. Most of the time sung in rounds. Most of the people were too
interested in their own music to catch the words, which the group said were of
supreme importance to the world.
So the Kingdom of Sin met last week on the stage in Seattle and most of the
world was amazed. And it truly is amazing, this is all those kingdom
participants have to look forward too. The true church of the living God.
Represented by Immanuel, God with us, had no place on the stage. There was no
room in any inn. Has anything really changed, in the kingdom of sin? No, but in
this world we for these last two thousand years have had a living Kingdom of
Son. With Jesus Christ as its (her) risen head. And it will last forevermore,
redeemed by his sacrificed blood, shed for our members while we were yet in the
Kingdom of Sin. It is through Him alone that we have that hope this season. The
gospel of eternal peace with God, is an inheritance for all who believe from
every tribe and nation. While the world continues to go its separate way,
playing their own songs and having there own festival this season, let us
reflect thankfully upon its true mean during this sacred season.
PRAYER PLANTS
For some years I have been looking to move my base of operations to the area
near Pullman, Washington and Washington State University, with the goal of
starting a church. I had pretty much given up on that goal. WAZUU is each year
ranked nationally in the top ten for party schools. While there are a lot of
churches, few truly represent anywhere close to what I would consider sound
"Restoration Evangelicalism". I said all that to say, as I looked
through the want ads of a agricultural weekly newspaper I receive, I ran across
an advertisement for a small farm listed by the real estate firm with which I
had most of my dealings when I was looking to move over there. According to the
ad, the twenty acres seems to be perfect as to layout and other amenities,
really what I was always looking for in that area, but never able to find, and
with a price of just over $200,000. With the continued occupation of this
residence unacceptable for ministry, please pray for guidance, provision and a
host of other steps required to see if this is the Lord's will at this time.
I know at times I try to make wit with some of these and other struggles and
situations as the battles take place in the heavens. These events many times
have very serious ramifications in all of our lives and I hope a little humor
will make some difficult times a little easier. It is all too often we as young
in our understanding of the movements of God, rush in an alter circumstances,
that the Lord has set up or allowed to take place for His Glory and for our
spiritual development. Our impulsiveness, then becomes responsible for the lack
of growth of others that the Lord would like to foster. We rename that love or
concern on our part. But really that impulsiveness has its root in the Kingdom
of Sin, the Kingdom of our birth. True love should be manifested to pray for
the movement of God, to do his perfect will, and with his timing in these
matters. As I heard recently that can turn a pretty caterpillar into a
beautiful butterfly. Such is my prayer for all those in this situation and one
potential person in particular.
Rise, children of the kingdom! The King is
drawing nigh:
Arise, and hail with gladness The Ruler from on high.
Ye Christians, hasten forth! Your praise and homage bring Him,
And glad Hosannas sing Him; Naught else your love is worth.
Arise, ye drooping mourners! The King is very
near;
Away with grief and sorrow. For lo your help is here.
Behold in many a place, O blessed consolation!
We find Him, our salvation, In His pure means of grace.
Arise, ye much afflicted! The King is not afar;
Behold ye long dejected! Behold the Morning Star.
The Lord will give you joy, Though troubles now distress you,
With comfort He will bless your, E'en death He will destroy.
Arise, ye poor and needy! The King provides for
you;
He comes with succor speedy, With mercy ever new.
Receive your gracious King, The Giver of all blessing;
Hail Him, His name confessing, And glad Hosannas sing.
O rich the gifts Thou bring'st us, Thyself made
poor and weak;
O love beyond expression, That thus can sinners seek!
For this, O Lord, will bring Our joyous tribute bring Thee,
And glad Hosannas sing Thee, and ever grateful be.
J. Rist 1651