98. Rock Goes The Gospel - Rush 2112 "The Temples of Syrinx"

“2112,” the 20-minute, side-long, 7-suite piece, follows an anonymous member of Megadon, who awakens to what’s missing in his world after discovering a guitar and teaching himself to make music. In his world, autonomous people whose creativity propel a society forward have been gone for a generation, replaced by a cadre of priests who maintain order and stability with the help of computers. The protagonist feels hopeless after he’s rebuffed in his effort to get the priests’ approval to make music a part of their world. He falls into a trance like sleep, dreams of the society that used to be, only to awaken to stark hopelessness. He’s not the one to lead a revolution, and indeed he commits suicide. But the dream of restoring the world to one in which people thrive and grow isn't extinguished.

We've taken care of everything
The words you read, the songs you sing
The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes
It's one for all and all for one
We work together, common sons
Never need to wonder how or why

We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx
Our great computers fill the hallowed halls
We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx
All the gifts of life are held within our walls

Look around at this world we've made
Equality our stock in trade
Come and join the Brotherhood of Man
Oh, what a nice, contented world
Let the banners be unfurled
Hold the Red Star proudly high in hand

We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx
Our great computers fill the hallowed halls
We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx
All the gifts of life are held within our walls

The story has the character of a parable and in the parable one person stands up for what is right and just in the hope of transformation. The parable of  2112 and [II. Temples of Syrinx] lyrics define what is "Meek". The definition of meekness is asserting yourself on behalf of others which is what is happening in the parable of Rush concept album "2112" which tells the story of one man who stands up to the system. Neil Peart suggests that Rush's 2112 album was a rage against the power hungry record industry and one attempt to bring some sanity to it while at the same time rebelling against it's restrictions.

In this mornings devotion we look at the third of the Beatitudes. In this Beatitude Jesus is speaking about true meekness. In the days of Jesus the common people of Judaism are oppressed on two fronts. They are oppressed by the military might that is Rome and they are oppressed by legalism that is the religious institution. Into these dual oppressions Jesus speaks about meekness.

What does it mean to be meek? Not to be confused with weakness true meekness is anything but weak.  The nearest definition of "Meekness" is "Power under God's Control".  Life and Actions under new management if you like. Not asserting yourself for your own needs but asserting yourself for the needs and benefit of others. This is where the definition fits the 2112 song "Temples of Syrinx"

"Meek" people see themselves as the servants of God. Not with a false humility but with all their inner emotions under God's control.

Another way of looking at this is "Meekness" is curbing that inner revenge, That inner compulsion to seek and avenge a "wrong" done to us, "Meekness" says no to that inner revenge. Meekness is the opposite to violence. In it's place meek people have the heart to serve others even those who have wronged us. Jesus says the "The Meek shall inherit the earth" -What does he mean by that statement. Well, putting it simply - The earth is not to become for us a stage for grasping our own desire but an inheritance which we have received from God in which the service of God on behalf of others is paramount.

Being "Meek" is not being weak. Being "Meek" in my own oppinon is an inner characteristic of those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus and who are working for the kingdom of God in all places and in all things. "Meekness" is  Justice and Righteous personified as we see this characteristic massively in the life of Jesus. Jesus is the supreme model of "Meekness" He was meek in the temple when he over turned the money changers tables because he was standing up for the rights of those who had no voice. He was meek when he wrote in the ground when the woman who had been caught in adultery was brought to him by the religious leaders. There are 1001 faces of meekness that we could go to in the gospels that display the meekness of Jesus. His meekness stands as a model to us all.

Rush, and Neil Peart get this right, they effectively portray what it is like to stand up to the system of Megadon. (Or to rebel against the legalism of the music industry) Unfortunately the protagonist in the 2112 parable takes his own life before the revolution comes. Another has his life taken from him on a hill called Calvery by Roman and Jewish oppressive institutions but his meekness is accurately displayed in the gospels and today he calls for "Meekness" to be displayed in our lives too. Bring it on!