Power and Promises: Does the Revolution End?
by Lisa Allgood, Executive Presbyter
There are so many pieces of Scripture that I absolutely love, but one of my favorite Old Testament books is the Book Daniel. The prophecies of Daniel speak much about the end of times, and what the promises of Jesus stretch to – and what part we play in them.
He promises us some Responsibility.
Jesus gave us the responsibility to share the Good News at every opportunity, for Scripture tells us there will be a time of ending.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.
He has promised us God’s Grace.
Jesus described the kingdom of heaven as a parable about workers in a vineyard: Entrance is by God’s grace alone, since every believer receives the same gift of salvation—no matter how old they are or what their situation may be.
For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.” So they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, “Why have you been standing here idle all day?’” They said to him, “Because no one hired us.” He said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.”
So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, “Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.” And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, saying, “These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.” But he answered one of them and said, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?” So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen. (Matthew 20:1–16)
He promised we would be Fruitful.
Abide. To live with, stay with, and in turn be sustained by. With Jesus as our vine, our source of sustenance and spiritual growth, we are empowered to make disciples in His name and as He co-missioned us. The time to access His transformational power is right now, and always – at every minute (Jude 21–23).
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (John 15:4–5)
He told us there was some Urgency.
The word “behold” is found thirty times in Revelation, and at least seven of these are connected to His promised Second Coming. So we are reminded to serve the Lord while there is still time in this time. This is both a promise and a call to action. Whatever work He has given us to do, we need to do it without delay.
And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last…. I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. (Revelation 22:12–13, 16)
He promised us Abundance – and a related Responsibility.
Where does our perception of money, goods, resources take us? Jesus gave us His word that we are storing up lasting treasures in heaven. Maintaining God’s perspective on money enables us to reach a dying world with the love of Christ, and demonstrates our trust in His promise – and fulfills His admonition that “to whom much has been given, much is expected”.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. (Luke 12:31–34, NLT)
In short – we are His children, loved deeply, recipients of grace, and asked to go and do likewise to all people. The ultimate Revolution.
Children of God – let the Revolution begin in your congregation, your community, your home. Jesus is there with you. The Holy Spirit will equip you. And the world needs you.
