Any One For Change?

We are told there is an Arab Spring going on in the Middle East.  However, as events progress that Spring seems to be somewhat like our own this year in that it blows hot and cold until you might wonder where we are in the progression of the year.  There is plenty of revolution to go around but what the end result will be is pretty much up for grabs.

That is the trouble with most revolutions.  Big change is promised but instread there is only more of the same old.  The only difference is that different people are doing the same old thing.  If the political parties promise big change ther change amounts to the same as rearranging the furniture in the parlor or putting a slipcover on the sofa. 

The only revolution that really delivered as promised were the early Christians who preached Jesus Christ and Him crucified (and alive).  People and communities were so radically changed they upset every apple cart within hailing distance.  Take for instance the Apostles Paul and Silas who preached in Thessaloinica.  The response was so sweeping that the whole place was thrown into turmoil.  The explanation was that "These people who have been turning the world upside down have come here also."  Acts 17.  That sounds like real revolution.

Or, take the time Pual pulled into Ephesus and "no little disturbance broke out concerning the Way (the way of Christ).  People actually began following this way rather than the way of an idol.  The makers of idols really got their shorts in a bunch and created a riot because, as they whimpered,  "we get our wealth from this business."  Acts 19

In the New Testament the gospel explodes all over the place.  From Jesus on, there was no shortage of revolt that changed the course of history convincingly.  In contrast, in our era great care is taken to make sure that the audience is soothed into believing that if we just do a little better whatever it is that we are doing, all will be well.  So the church lives with mouse-like trepidation before Caesar and Mammon, maintianing the staus quo with great earnestness.

Of course the case Caesar and Mammon make for themselves is that they are both undercover Christians.  So there is really nothing to rebel against.  You may now relax and let them look out for you welfare and benefit.  Their story line to the gullible is, "We will see to it that you will safe to live as you wish and you will never want.  See, we are really on your side.  Now just vote for our candidate, invest in me and your furture is secure."

Where that muddled thinking is followed there is the limp acceptance of a pale imitation of Christ which has the power of a stature on the Court House lawn.  There is no danger of revolutions there.  Not even a shiver of discontent.  Jesus came with a call to lead a movement that was radical it scared the most powerful and turned cowering wimps into those who defied the law and order of world empires.  These radicals were best described as "having been with Jesus."  That is the root of real revolution that produces real change.