Do Not Harm the Oil and Wine

We live in a world that thrives on disruption. In the constant quest for profit, power, and prestige, we often trample on the very things that sustain life. This isn’t some far-off concept; it exists in our day-to-day interactions. Whether it’s the exploitation of workers, the destruction of resources, or even the manipulation of truths for gain, the empire operates on a foundation built on harm. When we talk about resources like oil and wine in a biblical context, we're not just discussing commodities; we're addressing what sustains our community, our relationships, and our spiritual lives. In Revelation 6:6, we see a warning that speaks to this reality: "And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, 'A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine!'" This verse isn’t merely about economic transactions; it’s about the moral implications of how we treat what God has provided.

The world’s values celebrate immediate gratification and short-term success. We measure success in numbers—profits, followers, likes, and shares. The corporate ladder prioritizes competition over collaboration, often sacrificing integrity for a quick win. It’s all about who gets to the top first, regardless of the collateral damage left behind. We see it in business practices that exploit the vulnerable or environmental policies that prioritize corporate profit over planet health. In sports, it manifests when athletes use performance-enhancing drugs to gain an unfair advantage, sidelining the spirit of the game. It’s a relentless pursuit, and it often leads to a culture where we harm what matters most—our relationships, our environment, and our spiritual well-being.

In the construction world, I’ve witnessed firsthand how corners get cut for profit. A contractor might use inferior materials just to save a buck, compromising not only the integrity of the building but also the safety of its occupants. It’s a mentality that values profit over principles, and it mirrors the larger societal trends we see all around us. But let’s get real here: this approach harms not just the structures we build but the very essence of our communities. When we prioritize profit over people, we are, in effect, harming the oil and wine—the very sustenance of our societal fabric.

But the kingdom!

God’s kingdom flips the script entirely. While the world operates on values that harm, the kingdom emphasizes care and stewardship. In Matthew 5:3-12, Jesus lays out the Beatitudes, which turn worldly values on their head. The blessed are not the powerful or the rich; instead, it’s the meek, the merciful, and the peacemakers who find favor. This kingdom way doesn’t just subvert worldly systems; it offers a radical alternative that prioritizes the well-being of the community over individual gain. When we look at Jesus' actions—healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and engaging with the marginalized—we see a direct contrast to the empire’s values. He didn't come to take; he came to give.

Take a look at the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus teaches us about turning the other cheek and loving our enemies. This isn’t just revolutionary; it’s a complete disruption of the status quo. Jesus’ actions during his ministry demonstrate an unwavering commitment to protecting the vulnerable, to nurturing the oil and wine of society. He shows us that true power lies in humility and service. The apostolic practice after Jesus' resurrection echoes this sentiment. In Acts 4:32-35, the believers share everything in common, ensuring no one among them is in need. They understood the importance of preserving the oil and wine—not just for themselves, but for the entire community. It’s a model of living that illustrates how God’s kingdom operates: through selflessness, generosity, and unity.

Consider this: the church was birthed in a time of persecution, yet it thrived because of its commitment to caring for one another. The early Christians did not hoard resources; they shared them. This is the essence of God’s kingdom—a community that protects its vital resources, ensuring that the oil and wine of life flourish. Where the empire sees competition, the kingdom promotes collaboration. Where the empire seeks to exploit, the kingdom calls us to nurture.

Everything changes when:

We begin to see the offense of the gospel. The message of the kingdom often seems foolish to the world. The idea of losing to gain, of dying to live, runs counter to everything we are conditioned to believe. In 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul writes, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." This upside-down logic—embracing weakness as strength—is a scandal to the world. The empire tells us to accumulate wealth, status, and control, while the kingdom invite