It is a revolution that was started thousands of years ago, a revolution that changed the course of history. It set into motion friendships and feuds, wars and truces. It has been applauded while opposed. It has helped establish judicial systems yet been outlawed. Literally, it is a revolution of biblical proportions. The revolution I’m talking about is known by the world as Christianity. The word itself turns many people off because of their perception of it, past experiences with it or run-ins with people claiming to be a part of it. Well, I want you to know it’s not about the type of clothes you wear or the length or color of your hair. And it’s certainly not determined by other people’s misrepresentations of Christianity or their opinions about you. It is about following Jesus Christ.
Many people feel they have to fit into a certain box or mold in order to be a part of it. But there’s no entry fee of wardrobe exchange, barber shop appointments or selective social stature. It’s a price that none of us could have ever paid for ourselves. The truth is that God loves you so much that he sent his son, Jesus Christ, to pay the price that you couldn’t pay. It’s the price for forgiveness, acceptance, and eternal life in heaven. It’s already been paid so that we can become followers of Christ and join this revolution.
The first followers of Jesus Christ were the disciples written about in the bible. The revolution began when Jesus simply said to them, 'Follow me...' (Matthew 4:19) He didn’t demand that they cut their hair, change their clothes or clean up their act before joining the revolution. He knew that as time went on, change would happen if and where it needed to happen, because of their love and devotion to him.
Jesus hung out with tax collectors and sinners. He ate with and talked to prostitutes, adulterers and criminals. Though he never agreed with, condoned or joined in their sin, he wasn’t ashamed to be seen with them. The religious leaders were furious about this because they looked holy but were far from it and Jesus’ presence exposed that in them. The religious leaders hated Jesus and the methods of his revolution. Jesus was compassionate to the sinner, where the religious leaders looked down on them. Jesus loved the sinner but not the sin. He rebuked the self-righteous religious leaders but still loved them just the same.
The early followers thought the revolution was over when these religious leaders had Jesus arrested and executed. But then it happened - just the way Jesus said it would happen. He came back to life on the third day after his death. The revolution took on new life, a life that could no longer die. Though those religious leaders tried to stop it, it continued on. Throughout history, others have tried to cease its progress, but it always moves ahead. The devil himself tried to put an end to it before it ever began, but it never skipped a beat. Today, some countries have outlawed it and murder those who speak of it, but it continues on.
The revolution that began thousands of years ago is still moving forward. It is the only revolution ever started that will last for all eternity. It is not based on judgment, condemnation, guilt or ridicule. It is a revolution based on grace, mercy, love, faith and forgiveness. It is the revolution recognized by its followers. Christ followers.
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