Monday, March 21, 2011
OK, you guessed it. I grew up during the 60's. How do you know? The song, man...the Beatles singing, “You say you want a revolution, Well, you
know...We all want to change the world.”
The downside of making references to old songs in your sermons is that
they tend to stick in your mind (is there anyone that can pray for me and cast
it out?!).
Case in point: the nations in
turmoil. Jesus points to this when He
said, “and upon earth distress of nations with perplexity.”
(Lk.21:25) It started in January with Tunisia and the toppling of that
authoritative regime. Then most notably in February in Egypt, where Hosni
Mubarak who had been an autocratic leader for more than three decades was
forced to step down. The fact that it
happened is not really surprising, but the speed in which it happened is
stunning. Right now those same shock
waves are being felt in Libya, Bahrain, Yemen, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and other
places. Much of this is being encouraged
and fueled by Iran that seeks the overthrow of the secular or moderate Arab leaders
in the region. It is a very volatile
international crisis, perhaps the most volatile since 9/11 and no one know
where it is headed or the final outcome.
As Christians, we’re called to look at and view the news of world events
through “spiritual eyes,” and not just the quick, sound bite presentation that
the mainstream media puts out today. The
threat of a radical Islamic takeover in these countries is a very real
possibility, and one that should be of great concern to all of us since it
would have global implications. One of
the best and most informative articles that I read in this regard is “Seeking
Democracy, Heading for Caliphate” by Shira Sorko-Ram from www.maozisrael.org. They also have this ten minute video entitled “Is
Egypt The Next Iran” that brilliantly puts things in precise
perspective in our confused world.
The events that transpired in
Egypt have been dubbed “The Egyptian
Revolution.” In America, since the
American Revolution is so much a part of who we are as a people, we often have
an unreasoning love affair with the word democracy. All we have to do is hear the word democracy,
and whatever is going on is good.
Democracy does not exist in a vacuum; there must be real spiritual
foundations on which it rests. You are
naive to think that you can force feed that to a nation or situation where it
isn’t part of their history or culture.
The truth is that no one knows the final or full outcome of these
events: whether it will be a true and productive revolution that brings
stability, prosperity and the hopes of a better future, or it ends up being a
“revolt” that is hijacked by other forces leading to a worse outcome. This is why we need to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” as well as events happening in
many of her neighbors in the Middle East.
The word “revolution” is what captured my thinking in all of this, and
specifically the spiritual
possibilities for change that are now present (how long that window
will be there, no one knows). Years ago
I remember hearing a man preach who said something that’s never left me. He said, “All
truth is parallel” or, events taking place in the natural realm have their
spiritual parallel or possibility.
That’s why I was taken with the whole truth and possibility of “Spiritual Revolution” that would move
America and the nations of the world!
The reality is, that possibility resides in the DNA of the church and
followers of Jesus Christ. (Acts 17:6b)
declared, “these that have turned the world upside down have come here
also.” I believe it was the Berkley
translation that said “these world
revolutionaries have come here.” It
points to the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to bring true transformation,
and to topple from our lives the things that have oppressed and held us in
bondage. Hallelujah, there is another
Lord, Jesus Christ! The Beatles can sing but, we’re not just
saying we want to change the world,...we are working to try to redeem, restore
and renew the world through our labors, our prayers, our investments, and our
availability to God’s purposes.
In Egypt, what we witnessed was
the convergence of 3 factors that
together made up the “perfect storm” of revolution! Think about these, and specifically, how they
can be harnessed to see the advancing of the kingdom of God today!
1. The large population of young people. In the Arab world today, there are over 100
million
people between the ages of 15-29.
2. Widespread poverty and unemployment that
results in a lack of opportunity and breeds a
spirit of discontentment. The status quo is no longer acceptable.
3. The availability of social media that enabled communication, connection and
coordination.
There were other factors, of
course, but these three were very instrumental in the affairs of that
nation. Do you know what I am seeing in
all this? I see the same possibilities
for the church and for us to labor together to make a difference. We have a lot of young people in our
churches, and if they will be moved by God and not simply accept and live for
the status quo, they can be real difference-makers. If we will work and have as our primary goal
to always communicate the Good News of Jesus, to stay connected to each other,
and to coordinate our efforts, I believe that God can help us to see a new wave
of revival in our generation. Here’s the
promise I am holding to and praying, “And
it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My
Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young
men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants
and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.” (Acts 2:17,
18)
Yours for revival today!
P.S. The full sermon, “You Say
You Want A Revolution” can be accessed at our website www.thedoorcfc.com. Also, much thanks to Greg Mitchell for some
of the background material of that message.
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