Revolution not Rebellion

S - Matthew 26:55, 56 (NIV): "In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled."

O - The question Jesus asks the mob who came to arrest him is an important one. The term translated 'rebellion' is λῃστης. It actually means a thief or robber.  It is more than a petty thief; rather the term refers to one with associates who could only be apprehended by an armed band. Of course, He isn't trying to steal anything because everything and everyone already belongs to him by right. Jesus can't be leading a rebellion because all authority in heaven and on earth is his. He is, however, leading a revolution.  The characteristics of a revolution, by definition, include:

1.       an overthrow or repudiation and the thorough replacement of an established government or political system.

2.       a radical and pervasive change in society and the social structure.

3.       a sudden, complete or marked change in something.

His revolution is a revolution of love. The force of its pervasive change is divine grace and the transformation is accomplished in people not just through them.

A - According to the Scriptures the Lord already "owns" everyone and everything by right (he made everything) including me (Psalm 24:1).  The beauty of his response to earth and earthlings is that his grace dignifies every life with the capacity to choose … to choose to be his by grace even though we're already his by right.  The purpose of this? A revolution of relationship; a revolutionary relationship of love.  I choose to follow him, to love him back (he already loves all first and most and refuses to change his mind) and to join his life (not just a cause) … he lives in me and I live in him by grace according to love.  A pervasive and marked change happens in me. The governance of my life (interior and exterior) is thoroughly replaced by his presence and his spirit … and the writings of the prophets are fulfilled in me. With me being the focus and locust of his revolution … he then reaches through me to call others to himself and the revolution of love.

P - Lord who is love,

I choose you back, love you back and say an unqualified yes to you and to your revolution.  I repent of (overthrow and repudiate) the patterns the world (secular and religious) and welcome your governance in me in all ways … radically and pervasively.  You lead this revolution where you are doing the work in me. I follow and accept any and all assignments you give.  Thank you for wanting me in and near your very person and life.  Thank you for not calling me to a cause but to yourself.  I will pray and live in Jesus' Name.

Steve