The Jesus Revolution

"I am here to start a revolution. Not revolt. I am talking about a radical shift."

Powerful words. A revolution. A radical change?

Are you part of that revolution?

Are you part of that change?

At the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus utters the word "happy" eight times. "Happy are you when..." Read it again. They are all things that reflect something of that "revolution," something of that "radical" change. A revolution that looks very different from what you might initially expect.

Imagine a revolution of happy people who are:

• humble
• mourners
• meek
• seeking justice
• merciful
• pure hearted
• peacemakers
• persecuted

What would that look like? Would you want to belong to this group? This is not a pick-'n-choose list, but each and every one of these characteristics are central to the Kingdom of God. By the way, don't just look at these words; look at the sentences after them. What wonderful promises Jesus attaches to them.

This is revolutionary.

This is a revolution.

A revolution for the better.

A revolution, not just for then.

Imagine if this were so today.

Back for a moment to the audience Jesus was speaking to. Certainly, there were many, but first and foremost are this teaching and invitation to the disciples. Read verse 1 again. Disciples. Followers. Those who say "Lord" to Jesus.

Are you?

Do you?

Jesus has an invitation: Come, and join this revolution.

"The Jesus Revolution."

What is your reaction?

Take the following questions to think about:

• What do you think of these words of Jesus?
• Would you want to be part of this "Jesus Revolution"? What would that look like?

Prayer: "Lord, You did not come to make a few small changes here and there, but what You had in mind was a radical change. A completely new orientation. A life focused on Yourself, and on those around us. Lord, help me to live and share these values You share. Amen."