Revolution

“REVOLUTION”

            “Revolution” is a great word.  One of the first times I can recall it being used in history class was in regards to the French Revolution which gave birth to the American Revolution.  And for some reason the movie ‘V for Vendetta’ pops in my head, but I cannot seem to remember why.  If you have seen the movie, you probably get my reference.  If you haven’t, shame on you… it is a great flick. 

            What is a revolution?  A revolution is the challenging of the status quo and a radical change to a new way of doing things.  It was a revolution to go from farming to industry; I guess that’s why they call it the Industrial Revolution.  It was a huge change to give women the right to vote and allow them the same access to society as men have had… hence the Sexual Revolution.  A revolution is a huge climactic shift in the way life is run.

            Make no mistake, Jesus brought revolution.  He says in Matthew 10:34-40, “⁴Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to turn "'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law--  ³⁶ a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'  ³⁷ "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;  ³⁸ and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.  ³⁹ Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.  ⁴⁰ "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me.”  Blam.  Give me liberty or give me a boot overboard.  Jesus Himself states that He came to change the way people relate to one another and most importantly… how we relate to God.  The way to God is opposite of what we thought… less is more… greatest is least… finding means losing.  None of it makes sense.

             Before Jesus, we were dependent on sacrifices to get to God.  Before Jesus, members of a household would all hold the same religion in most cultures.  Before Jesus, greatness meant wealth and power and the amount of servants one had.  Yet Jesus brings a spiritual life to all that would follow that means taking up a cross (self-denial), humbleness, and a whole host of other life altering attitudes.  Anyone can become a Christian and it is not up to a father or mother or government to decide who can and cannot come to God.  Jesus brought a revolution in providing personal access to God.

            Life seems to be topsy-turvy when it comes to what Jesus feels is important.  The World says money, stepping on others, pleasures of the flesh, power, and self are the be-all of existence.  Yet Jesus says it is a life spent with God in humble service and peace that brings greatness.  What a revolution!