The Saturday Stoke #48
Listen to The Stoke
Now is not the time to hide.
In-doors, in yourself, in your heart, in your faith.
A price was paid for you. Two thousand years ago the one they called Immanuel did something that shook the world. He introduced a new way to live, a new way to be alive.
He invited me and you to be part of his kingdom—a spiritual kingdom—a spiritual revival.
It’s not crazy talk. Emperors tried to snuff it out. But the kingdom wasn’t of this earth. It was built upon a foundation of blood and truth and it eventually seized upon the earth’s empires by spreading throughout the countryside of the Roman empire.
Fostered in the private homes of the first believers—believers of an incredible story, of an impossible dream. It didn’t matter where they met, it just mattered that they met.
Through the line of decades and centuries, they contribute to humanity by building a better culture. Not one focused on the deeds of man but centered on the transcending glory of the Divine.
And when the time came to stand up to governments and rulers who sought to suppress humanity, to exploit the masses for the elite, to order the worship of the rulers, they refused.
They didn’t shout at people or rip one another apart. They didn’t use the rhetoric of the day. Instead, they clung to something unshakeable: the hope of heaven.
“But Tim,” you say, “are you inciting a revolution? Are you suggesting we engage in civil disobedience when it comes to things related to COVID and pending restrictions on when and how we can meet as believers? Shouldn’t we just go about our business and wait for all this to blow over?”
“Ah yes,” I reply, “I see and understand your reticence to go against the flow. But I am not suggesting revolt per se. Instead, I am trying to point to the roots of the Christian faith. And that, my friend, is Glory—the glory of God. Many have done good and ill things in the name of religion throughout history. I’m neither condoning nor criticizing at this point. Instead, I’m reminding: our heritage—yea, all of humanity’s really—is heaven. And when we live with the hope of heaven, we walk with Wisdom.”
Indeed, it is Wisdom we need in these times where it feels like our country is failing, our government is faltering, and the whole world seems to be teetering on revolution.
Remember Wisdom’s call: good judgment, understanding, truth, uncover deception, wholesomeness, common sense, and most importantly the fear of the Lord.
Only one thing cuts through the dross of our culture right now: the awe of God.
When we stand in awe, everything else falls into place. We gain wisdom, and the Spirit himself will guide us as we navigate the tempestuous waters of societal change. What is needed most right now?
An army of Daniels and Esthers. Ready and willing, even in the darkest of times, to stand for what is right. To rise up, in the face of overwhelming opposition and consequences, and remain undaunted in God’s sovereign grace.
Stay stoked my friends.
