Which Reality is Truer?

The World As It Is

In the days following the bombing of the Boston marathon,  the majority of the nation has expressed outrage and sorrow over the bombing. There has been grieving regarding the loss of three innocent lives and the permanent injury of many others. The thoughts and prayers of the nation are poised towards Boston.

An event like this seems to put different versions of reality in conflict. We have different groups dictating that we should view this tragic event in different lights. I would maintain that each of the views put forth reveal truth about our world, just on different levels. They are truths within truths--concentric circles of reality, if you will. Allow me to explain.

Circle One

The innermost circle is the circle where most Americans live. In this reality, we have the claim that the kind of event that we had in Boston does not happen in the United States. This is a true statement; in the US, we are not plagued with IEDs and roadside bombs. Violent deaths are not the norm within our country. And, it is because of this that we find ourselves outraged and horrified when violence occurs against our citizens. Americans are much more inclined to react with disbelief when we encounter true violence and evil acts.

In America, you expect that the police and the military will keep you safe. When these systems are found wanting, our world is rocked. We expect that everyone should live to reach a ripe old age. And, we are shocked if this does not come true.

Circle Two

The greater reality here is that violence and death reign throughout the world. Americans may react with shock and disbelief when these things happen in our lands but the fact of the matter is that these kinds of things happen consistently across the world. There are countries where violent deaths are just a fact of life. The people in these lands see grizzly sights on a daily basis. For them, the concept of safety is illusory. Bombs explode frequently. Friends and family die. They find that there is no guarantee of living to a ripe old age.

We find here that the American view, while true to an extent, is limited. This reality, the bigger picture reality, is a reality filled with pain. It can be found everywhere. Grief is woven throughout this reality. And, often, the grieving process is not just for distant strangers that were struck down before their time--it is for friends and neighbors. This is a reality full of torment, both of mind and body.

The Greater Reality

Yet, there is a greater reality even still. The fact remains that God reigns over the earth. His is a reign of justice and peace. His reign is spread through His ambassadors, the Church.

The gospel is adequately called the gospel of peace. His is a reign that is properly spread without violence or threat of the sword. His rightful ambassadors do not use bodily harm and announce the fact that He brings peace to the soul.

The King of this Kingdom was coronated with suffering. This Suffering King is in tune with the suffering of this world. He knows the pain of separation and loss. And, as King, He has the power to heal the hurt of the world. He does not turn a blind eye to the world but seeks to restore it.

This reality, this Kingdom, is a reality that is both now and not yet. As we go about our work as ambassadors, we make the greater reality of the Kingdom part of our current reality. Yes, there is pain and loss in our world. But, that is not the way things are supposed to be. And, there will come a day where these current pains and injustices shall no longer be.

What we find, then, is that it is our job as Christ's ambassadors to squeeze the greater reality onto our current reality. We seek to do God's work upon the earth that His reign may be known. We do this so that the world may know that God is King and that pain and death are powerless as a result.