Revolution. What images does the word evoke? Perhaps it is 1776 and the Star Spangled Banner waving high in the sky, torn and battle scarred.
There are times one word speaks volumes.
This image struck me today. Revolution has many meanings. Yes, a revolution is an overthrow by the people governed, but it is so much more.
One invention can revolutionize transportation and communication. A radical and pervasive change can happen almost overnight. Socially, politically and with technology, changes can happen in a blink of the eye. Society... on our pretty blue planet... makes a single turn.That, too, can be defined as a revolution.
Indoor plumbing revolutionized life for all. The telegraph, cotton gin and steam engine are others that made a quick difference in how things were done. Electricity and air conditioning work together, giving us reason to pause and give thanks on hot summer days. A revolution means change.
Revolution doesn't always come with violence, but when humans are passionate. Look at this wonderful discovery. In our English language LOVE is in the word. Backwards, but it is there. In fact, it is perfection that it is backwards.
Years ago, we did a series with the kids at church called "Flipped". It is a reminder that seeking the heart of Jesus requires flipped thinking. Putting others first. Sharing from our "first fruits" and not our left overs. Intentionally seeking peace, sacrifice, compassion and standing for justice when others look away. Giving voice to the voiceless and the broken places value on all human life. That is a love revolution. It is flipped thinking.
There is a scripture in Acts reminding us that the public officials were soft stepping what to do with believers in Jesus after the trial, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Look how that turned out! He was alive. Too many had seen him to deny it. They were grateful when he stopped appearing in public after the ascension to heaven, but they did not want to kill his disciples since they could not ignore lame men walking, blind men seeing, dead people returning to life and the insane change in Saul's/Paul's passion.
Paul is a great example of how love changes everything... how Jesus changes everything. The hungry, the poor, the enslaved, the widows, the orphans and the outcasts matter to our Lord. Saul/Paul was transformed. He was no longer chasing status in the realm of religious officials. He began seeking Christ and chasing the heart of Jesus. It was a love revolution.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
Love the lost. Free the captives. Value the women, widows and orphans. Seek to serve, not to be served. Live in the culture, but do not be taken captive by it. Worshiping God out of love, not obligation or duty. Genuine relationship with Him and each other.
We don't pay for His love, but we must believe and receive it. It's like living with electricity for the first time. The light goes on, and our world view changes. It is no longer a world to be conquered, but a mission field that gives us purpose. All souls are precious to the Father.
Earworm is awake and singing. "This little light of mine... I'm gonna let it shine."
Love infuses light. Jesus is the power source. The world can fake it, but it can't quite make it. The world is always hungry for more. His love satisfies like nothing the world can give.
"Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are human eyes."
-Proverbs 27:20
"When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me." -Hosea 13:6
Flipped thinking. Revolutionary living.
"Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, 'I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.' " -Hebrews 13:5
Don't love money. Choose to be satisfied. His promise: "I will never fail or abandon you." Revolutionary? Absolutely.
Today, I am grateful for revolution.
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