The Rod and the Staff
Rejecting the Power of Babylon
In the grand narrative of human history, two kingdoms wage an unseen yet profound battle: the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of the World. These realms could not be more different. The world, driven by a hunger for power, control, and self-preservation, thrives on dominance and ambition. Nations rise and fall, leaders seize authority, and individuals seek security by amassing wealth, status, or influence. But the Kingdom of God stands in direct opposition to these values. It is a kingdom built not on power but on submission, not on self-interest but on servanthood. In this upside-down kingdom, the greatest are those who serve, and the path to true strength is found in weakness and humility.
At the heart of this radical kingdom is Jesus Christ, who redefined leadership by laying down His life in service to others. Where the world seeks to climb to the top, Jesus calls His followers to embrace the lowest place. This contrast between worldly power and godly submission challenges us to reconsider our approach to life, leadership, and trust. What does it mean to live as citizens of the Kingdom of God in a world obsessed with power? This essay explores the profound difference between these two kingdoms, revealing how Christ's model of servitude offers a path of true freedom and security—a path that is rooted not in the pursuit of power but in trust in God's sovereign provision.
Babylon: Power, Control, and Self-interest
The Kingdom of the World, or “Babylon” operates on principles that are largely defined by power and self-preservation. From the political sphere to personal relationships, human beings are often motivated by a desire to secure their safety, wealth, and stability. Nations engage in wars, build military might, and establish economic dominance to ensure their survival and prosperity. Corporations seek to monopolize industries, individuals strive for career advancement, and communities align themselves with influential figures—all in pursuit of power.
At its core, power in the Kingdom of the World is about control. Whether through political influence, wealth, or social standing, those who possess power use it to impose their will on others, often at the expense of justice and morality. This drive for power is not inherently new; it is a fundamental aspect of the fallen human condition. From the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), where humanity sought to "make a name for themselves" by building a tower to heaven, to the rise of empires throughout history, the world has always been characterized by a struggle for dominance.
Moreover, this quest for power is frequently born out of fear. In a world that is unpredictable and chaotic, human beings often feel vulnerable and seek ways to assert control over their circumstances. This is particularly evident in the political realm, where nations often justify acts of aggression or expansionism as necessary for national security. The same fear-driven logic applies on a smaller scale, as individuals use power to secure their personal lives, avoiding the uncertainties of life by amassing wealth or status.
However, the Bible teaches that this reliance on power is ultimately a misplaced trust in human ability rather than in God. In Proverbs 3:5-6, we are instructed to "trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." When people seek power as a means of ensuring their security, they fail to trust in God's provision and care. This lack of trust leads to an endless cycle of striving for more power, as no amount of worldly success can ever fully satisfy the human need for safety and stability.
Jesus’ Servitude: A Radical Contrast
In stark contrast to the power structures of the world, the Kingdom of God is characterized by servitude and submission. Jesus Christ is the ultimate model of this servitude. Although He was God in the flesh, with all the authority and power of heaven at His disposal, He chose to live a life of humility and self-sacrifice. Philippians 2:5-7 captures this profound mystery: "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."
Jesus' servitude is most powerfully demonstrated in His willingness to submit to the ultimate humiliation and suffering on the cross. The cross, a symbol of Roman power and domination, became the instrument through which Jesus triumphed, not through force, but through submission. As He stood before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who represented the might of the world's greatest empire, Jesus remained silent and refused to defend Himself (John 19:9-11). Rather than using His divine power to save Himself from suffering, He entrusted Himself fully to the will of the Father, knowing that God’s plans would ultimately triumph over the world's systems.
Jesus’ teachings further emphasize the contrast between worldly power and godly servitude. In Mark 10:42-45, Jesus explicitly instructs His disciples that they must not seek power in the way the world does: "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
This passage encapsulates the radical nature of the Kingdom of God. While the world views greatness in terms of power and authority, Jesus redefines greatness as the willingness to serve others. His life was a living testament to this principle. Whether it was washing the feet of His disciples (John 13:1-17), healing the sick, or reaching out to the marginalized and outcast, Jesus consistently demonstrated that true leadership is found in servanthood.
Trust in God
The world’s pursuit of power is ultimately a reflection of its lack of trust in God. Human beings, left to their own devices, instinctively seek to protect themselves through the accumulation of resources, influence, and control. This desire for power is rooted in a deep-seated fear of loss, whether it be the loss of security, status, or life itself. But as Christians, we are called to a different way of living—one that is grounded in a trust that God is our ultimate provider and protector.
Jesus addressed this issue directly in His Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:25-34, He teaches His followers not to worry about their material needs—what they will eat, drink, or wear—because God knows what they need and will provide for them. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness," Jesus said, "and all these things will be given to you as well." This is a call to trust, to believe that God is sufficient to meet our needs and that we do not need to rely on worldly power or resources to secure our well-being.
The constant striving for power in the world is, at its heart, a rejection of this truth. It reflects a belief that we must take matters into our own hands, rather than resting in God's promises. Even within Christian circles, this temptation to rely on worldly power is ever-present. Churches may seek political influence to protect their interests, or individuals may strive for success in ways that mirror the world’s value system, rather than trusting in God's provision and timing.
Yet, Scripture continually reminds us that the pursuit of worldly power is fleeting and ultimately futile. In Psalm 33:16-17, the psalmist declares, "No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength, it cannot save." The things that the world trusts in—military might, wealth, political influence—are ultimately powerless in the face of God's sovereignty. God, not human power, is the source of true security and stability.
Living in the Kingdom of God: Submission and Trust
As Christians, we are called to live as citizens of the Kingdom of God, which means embracing a way of life that is countercultural to the power-driven values of the world. At the heart of this calling is the practice of submission and trust. Just as Jesus submitted to the will of the Father, even to the point of death, we too are called to surrender our desire for control and to trust in God’s provision.
This is not an easy task. The world continually pressures us to conform to its values, telling us that we must assert ourselves, seek power, and protect our interests. But the life of a Christian is one of faith—a faith that believes God is in control, even when circumstances seem uncertain or chaotic.
One of the most challenging aspects of this call to submission is the way it runs counter to our natural instincts. When we feel threatened, whether physically, emotionally, or financially, our immediate response is often to take matters into our own hands. Yet, Jesus calls us to a different path. In Luke 9:23, He says, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." This call to self-denial is a direct rejection of the world’s pursuit of power. It is a call to trust in God’s provision and to live in a manner that reflects His Kingdom, even when it seems risky or impractical.
However, one of the ways we can fall into the world’s mindset is by attempting to assert power over others to gain control. This can manifest in various harmful behaviors, including emotional manipulation, where one twists the feelings of others to achieve their own desires. Lying or withholding truth can also be a means of controlling situations and people, ensuring outcomes that benefit oneself at the expense of integrity. There are also more overt methods of domination, such as making threats of abandonment to instill fear, using punishment as a way to bend others to one's will, or even resorting to violence to enforce control. These tactics may provide a sense of immediate control, but they are deeply rooted in the Kingdom of the World’s way of power—using fear, deception, and force rather than love, trust, and servitude. For a follower of Christ, these methods are incompatible with the heart of the Kingdom of God, where relationships are built on love, humility, and mutual submission.
Moreover, as citizens of the Kingdom of God, we are called to be servants to others. This servanthood is not merely a theoretical concept; it is a practical way of life that should permeate every aspect of our interactions with others. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we are called to model the servanthood of Christ by putting the needs of others before our own, even when it costs us something. This is the very essence of Christian discipleship.
Conclusion
The contrast between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of the World is profound. While the world seeks power, control, and self-preservation, the Kingdom of God is marked by submission, trust, and servanthood. Jesus Christ, through His life and teachings, modeled a form of leadership that was radically different from the power structures of the world. Rather than asserting His divine authority, He chose to serve, even to the point of death on a cross. In doing so, He revealed that true greatness is found in humility and trust in God.
The world’s relentless pursuit of power is ultimately a reflection of its lack of trust in God. Human beings, driven by fear and insecurity, seek to control their circumstances through wealth, influence, and dominance. Yet, the Bible teaches that this quest for power is futile and that true security is found in trusting in God’s provision.
As Christians, we are called to live as citizens of the Kingdom of God, embracing a life of submission and servitude. This call is not easy, but it is the path that Jesus walked and the one He invites us to follow. In a world that constantly seeks power, may we, as followers of Christ, embody the values of His Kingdom by living lives of humility, trust, and service to others.
Have there been times in your life where you've relied on the power of Babylon—the ways of control, self-interest, and worldly ambition—rather than embracing the servitude and submission of the Kingdom of God? If so, I invite you to pause and pray, asking God to realign your heart with His Kingdom and to teach you the way of Christ-like humility and trust.
Heavenly Father, I come before You, recognizing the times when I have sought control, power, and self-preservation in my life. I confess that I have often relied on my own strength, pursued my own interests, and trusted in the ways of the world rather than in Your provision. I have been tempted by the allure of influence and power, believing that these things would bring me security, but now I see that true peace and purpose can only be found in Your Kingdom.
Lord Jesus, You showed us the path of servanthood by humbling Yourself, even to the point of death on a cross. Help me to follow Your example, laying down my own desires and trusting in Your plan for my life. Teach me to serve others with the same love and humility that You have shown me. Transform my heart so that I may live not for myself, but for Your glory and the good of those around me.
Holy Spirit, give me the strength to resist the pull of the world’s power and the courage to live in a way that reflects the values of Your Kingdom. Guide me in moments of fear or uncertainty, reminding me to place my trust in God alone. I surrender my will to You, Lord, and ask that You lead me into a life of deeper faith, submission, and service. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Bibliography
Holy Bible, New International Version. Zondervan, 2011.
Wright, N. T. How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels. HarperOne, 2012.
Yoder, John Howard. The Politics of Jesus. Eerdmans, 1994.
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. The Cost of Discipleship. SCM Press, 1959.
McKnight, Scott. Reading Romans Backwards: A Gospel of Peace in the Midst of Empire. Baylor University Press, 2019.
Scriptural References
Genesis 11:1-9 – The story of the Tower of Babel.
Philippians 2:5-7 – Jesus’ humility and servanthood.
John 19:9-11 – Jesus’ silence before Pontius Pilate.
Mark 10:42-45 – Jesus’ teaching on servanthood.
John 13:1-17 – Jesus washes the disciples’ feet.
Matthew 6:25-34 – Jesus’ teaching on trusting God for provision.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting in the Lord instead of leaning on human understanding.
Psalm 33:16-17 – The futility of human strength and power.
Luke 9:23 – The call to take up one’s cross and follow Jesus.