Revolution

 We need a revolution. I am not talking about the violent overthrow of the government. I am referring to a spiritual Revolution. Jesus is the ultimate Revolutionary. He is our leader. He can transform lives, families, churches, communities, culture, and countries. He did it in the past. I hope and pray He will do it again. 

God sent Messiah to the manger. The Revolution began. From the manger Jesus became the miracle worker. He taught the multitudes with power and authority. The crowds hung on His every word. He loved, touched, healed, showed compassion, and helped the hurting. The crowds swelled and so did the opposition and anger of the religious rulers. They planned to put a stop to the Revolutionary. 

Satan must have beamed with smug satisfaction when Jesus was arrested. He must have strutted proudly when Jesus hung on the cross. Thinking the Revolution ended with Jesus' death. 

Satan shouted in triumph when Jesus breathed His last on the cross. He danced in glee when they buried His broken and battered body in the tomb. The devil did not realize that the Revolution was only just beginning. Death could not keep him. The grave could not hold him. Satan could not stop Him. Up from the grave He arose a mighty victor over His foes. 

Not long after the resurrection God sent the promise of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. While those disciples prayed and waited God infused them with power beyond anything they had ever known. Cowards became courageous warriors for the Revolution. Soon they filled Jerusalem with the teachings of Jesus. 

Satan did not stop. He stirred up fierce persecution of the followers of Jesus. All he did was ignite a movement as the gospel messengers spread throughout the region and eventually the world. The movement swelled through the ages. It engulfed England in the 1700s. The Revolution ignited across the colonies in the 1700s as well. Another great outpouring fueled the Revolution all over again in prayer meetings that led to spiritual awakening in the 1800s across the United States. God engulfed Wales in 1904 with more Revolution. Even late into the 19000s on campuses like Asbury College, Wheaton College, Howard Payne University, and others the Revolution flamed again. 

Just when things were darkest. When hope seemed extinct. God did it again. He reignited His Revolution at Asbury University again. The flames spread across the nation to other universities. He poured gasoline on the raging fire with the true story movie Jesus Revolution, recounting the story that swept the nation saving hippies in the early 1970s. The Revolution continues to this day. Each of us has a part to play. To prayerfully, forcefully, and powerfully overthrow the kingdom of darkness with the weapons of prayer, gospel witness, and Bible preaching. The Revolution continues. May we not shrink from the battleline in fear. May we shine the light of Jesus in this pitch-dark world. There is more Revolution to come. [Acts 4:29-31]