The other day I watched the newly released Jesus Revolution movie and found it affecting me far more than I had expected. I was living in the San Francisco area when it all started, and the ripples of that movement changed me forever. So regardless of how many stars you give the film, one thing stands out: it was a conversation-fueled revolution.
Most churches find themselves on an endless quest to discover the latest methods for drawing people to Jesus. I spent hundreds of hours as a pastor reading, discussing, and attending seminars to figure this out. But deep down, I already knew the answer: spiritual revolution happens because of relationships and conversations.
The Jesus Revolution of the late sixties and early seventies had little to do with the churches. It wasn’t birthed through strategic planning, city-wide campaigns, mass mailings, or radio and television spots. It didn't happen because people started inviting their friends to new and improved Sunday morning experiences with lights, edgy worship bands, and energetic communicators. It sprang to life when everyday followers of Jesus began talking in their everyday lives about the Jesus who had changed their lives. It took flight on the wings of grassroots conversations.
There have been an increasing number of worship songs in recent years calling on God for revival. As the band leads the congregation in yet another repetition of the lyrics, arms and bodies begin to sway with a growing sense of urgency and emotion. Come on God, we’re serious about this: do something!!
Yet when we take our seats, I can’t help but wonder just what it is we've been asking God to do. Is the lack of revival His fault? Does He no longer believe in John 3:16? Are we trying to twist His arm to do something He' doesn't want to do? Is He the problem?
Not a chance. Our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Our God still loves every person and doesn’t want a single person to perish.
But there is a problem.
As we read the New Testament, we discover something happened in the first century—a revolution, if you will—because followers of Jesus did more than sing about Him: they embraced His heart. They stepped into their new identity as His ambassadors, embraced the power of the Holy Spirit, and started talking. And do you know what happened? Without electricity, the printing press, or technology, the entire known world was reached with the gospel! Revolution happened because people fell in love with the revolutionary Jesus and couldn't stop talking about Him.
As we sing our songs of revival, I can't help but wonder if heaven weeps. As we pray for the God who loves the world to move in our offices, schools, neighborhoods, and cities, sometimes I wonder if He's grieved because He's already placed the answer to our prayers in every office, office, school, neighborhood, and city: you and me. When those who've experienced His redemption are in love with their Savior, it can't help but create an irresistible magnetism. And when it does, relationships develop, conversations happen, lives change, and heaven rejoices.
So let me encourage you to begin every day with a simple prayer I've prayed for years:
God, thank you for another day that You’ve made. I know You’re up to something today, and I know it involves loving people. So I’m signing up to be used by You as You draw people to Yourself. Give me the wisdom to know when to listen, when to lend a hand, and when to speak. And give me the opportunity to communicate the good news of the gospel to those You love. Thank You for including me in Your story. Amen
Then walk out the door, expecting to be part of a revolution that is advanced by God-breathed conversations.