Originally posted here: http://hourofpower.org/revolution-starts-in-the-heart/
“‘What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ Pilate asked. They all answered, ‘Crucify him!’ ‘ Why? What crime has he committed?’ asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!’”
– Matthew 27:22,23
When I look at the story of the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, one of the things that strikes me most poignantly is how, once the people discovered that He was not the political revolutionary they thought He was, they turned on Him. The crowds that just a while earlier had been shouting, “Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!” were now screaming, “Crucify Him and give us Barabbas!” Why did they want a criminal instead of the Son of Man? Because Barabbas was a rebel who had already led a fight against the Romans. The people knew what they were looking for and Jesus was not it. Unfortunately, they missed the huge blessing that was right in front of them because they weren’t willing to consider that the Messiah was on a mission to save hearts rather than conquer nations. It’s human nature to want God to change everything except us, but the truth is that revolution always starts in individual hearts!
Friend, I urge you to remember that Jesus is much more interested in changing you than He is in changing your circumstances. Rather than asking Him to change your husband, your wife, your kids, your boss, or your living situation, ask Him to transform you first. In every challenge you face, the Lord wants to craft you into a person who looks and reacts like Him. The more of yourself you willingly surrender, the more of you He can fill with the power of His Spirit — the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. God’s Hand is outstretched and He is inviting you to entrust everything to Him, so take a chance, lay aside your own desires, and make Him the King of your heart today!
Prayer
Jesus, I ask you to change me from the inside out. Though my circumstances are challenging, use them to make me more like you.
Reflection
Today, what difficult circumstance can you surrender and ask the Lord to use to make you more like Him?
Art by Nicole Corrado 