The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 8

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 8
Jesus Made Me Do It

(a) "Most of us live in such fear of death that it's as if no one really believes in resurrection anymore" (p 226-227).

What risks am I willing to take to defend my family or my country? And how does that compare with what risks I'm willing to take to spread the message of Jesus' love and resurrection? What am I willing to risk to love someone?

Shane's mom is pretty revolutionary herself, aye?!

(b) "But we are to be extraordinary; we are to love people who don't think and look like us, even our enemies" (p 232).

Who is someone in my life that is different from me? Maybe a coworker, classmate or church member. How can I show this person love? How far out of my comfort zone am I willing to go today?

(c) "...if it weren't for people who broke unjust laws, we wouldn't have the freedom that we have. We'd still have slavery. That's the story of this country, from the Boston Tea Party to the civil rights movement. These people are not criminals; they are freedom fighters" (p 235-236).

This week we're reminded that breaking unjust laws does not break the peace. Greed does that. Greed on Wall St. that leads banks to take on too much risk to make a buck. Greed in our hearts that leads us to use credit cards instead of delaying gratification and saving money for the purchase. Greed in buying a house just beyond our means, hoping nothing will go wrong. Greed, in one form or another, takes us down so easily. Following the law of love over the law of the land does not make a person an enemy of the state. That is the highest form of patriotism; demanding a higher standard for society when many have set a low mark on an important issue.

(d) "If you're wondering whether you'll be safe, just look at what they did to Jesus and those who followed him" (p 241). "But look on the bright side, if you end up in jail, historically, you will be in very good company. Jail has always been an important place for Christians. In eras of injustice, it becomes the Christian's home" (p 242).

If it weren't for jails, we wouldn't have some of Paul's best writing or King's Letter from Birmingham Jail (Stanford.edu PDF). I've visited three jail systems to tell the men that Jesus loves them, but I've never spent the night. If and when the time comes, may we each stand for justice over comfort. Have you been in prison for living what you believe? If so, please share.