Reformation

Taken from Journal Entry 12-31-09

I received a revelation this morning that the word reformation is truly the equivalent of words like revolution, or declaration. Somehow we suppress this notion to assume that reformation invokes a peaceful resolve to change. Reformation for many conjures an illusion of prayer vigils and peace rallies that quietly change hearts and minds from the inside out. Reformation is however, quite the contrary.

Reformation equates death threats, accusations of heresy and slanderous gossip of all kinds. Reformation means public crucifixion for whomever is bold enough to lead it. Peaceful prayer rallies are met with violent armed men with water hoses, guard dogs and tear gas. Public beatings and private torture are reserved for anyone committed enough to stand firm til the end. Anyone who feels called to a reformation must be willing to count the cost. However, anyone willing to follow Jesus as lord and truly do what He says needs to understand they are signing up for a great reformation.

Jesus is always doing something new. And with the introduction of something new comes the immediate resistance by the old, not only because the old by nature disagrees, but because it is bursting the containers of what held and protected the old. Reformation must occur in order to refit the old containers for the new content that must fill them.

From Martin Luther to Martin Luther King Jr. reformation has been the advocate for the innocent who have been lost admist the hiearchy of religion and science and trambled under the traditions of men, in order to point men back to the true image of Christ. I am thankful for such men who would lay everything on the line to stand firm for what is right. I only hope to be such a man in my lifetime.