Change is here 23
August 2015
I wonder… as I
mulch the flower beds this morning, I ponder the events of the past few weeks. Riots to demonstrate that “black lives
matter,” the international ramifications of a nuclear power deal with Iran, the
daily argument about what to do with more than 11 million illegal immigrants,
and Americans who are enchanted with the hard-line, narcissistic personality of
a Republican front runner for next year’s presidential election… wow.
I came of age in
the 60’s, when “free love” and altered reality was the response of many to the frustrations
of the day. Out of frustration I joined
in demonstrations against the war in Viet Nam, but also participated in
cheering for the soldiers who made it home.
I loved the folk songs about justice and peace, and gave away hippie
beads and peace necklaces, and I wore a POW bracelet for years.
The Holy Spirit
made news in the 60s also, by sparking a revival that had millions of young
people talking about Jesus, and how He could change the world from the inside
out. They rejected the religion of the
mainline churches as too institutionalized and cut off from the power of a
personal relationship with an almighty God.
They filled streets and airports, subways and college campuses across
the country’s urban and suburban neighborhoods, handing out tracts and calling on
their peers to give their hearts to Jesus.
As one also disillusioned with the Protestant church and its dry, hollow
routine, I avoided these “Jesus freaks,” looking instead for a philosophical
wisdom that could provide purpose and direction for my life.
Zip for
that. Nonetheless I was a seeker, and continue
to seek until God Himself drew me in by His loving kindness in the early 80’s. So here’s what I wonder about: with all of
the frustration being doled out in American life today, isn’t it time for a new
wind of change that will turn people’s hearts back to God? What will it take? How long before even more deaths and riots
and empty political rhetoric grinds away the people’s resolve? Peter, Paul and Mary sang Bob Dylan’s song, “How
many deaths will it take ‘til he knows that too many people have died?” [1]
This morning in
church we sang a new song, a song for this hour and this time. The bridge of the song is a statement that
rings true to my heart, and a reminder of the power at hand:
“And the King
is among us
And His glory
surrounds us
And His fire
is falling as we sing
“And the
Savior is for us
And His love
is victorious
And revival
is rising in His Name”[2]
We can be
encouraged because the King of all kings is indeed among us here, even in our
intensely divided and bitter society. He
alone can help us to heal our land, find compassionate solutions, and bring
peace to homes and communities. Change—His
change—is upon us if we pray for it in His Name!
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