The new Responsibility...

This revolution isn't about overthrow, but participation. It is not about rebellion, but about commitment. It is not about us, it is about Him.

Easter is the center of the revolution, the Resurrection. It is not about remembering but about participation in the life of Jesus. The Holy Spirit was given as proof of the resurrected Jesus. Pentecost was a sign of power and truth. It fell on the followers, the remnant, who still believed, and spread to the new believer. It wasn't a liturgical day but a day of commitment. The commitment of the Spirit to us. We became participants in the Kingdom at that point, as we became empowered to do the things of the Kingdom. This wasn't just a good idea, it was the Way of the Kingdom. Empowered by the King to do the work of the Kingdom.

The word Easter is named for Eostre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring. She is associated with the egg and with the hare, both symbols of procreation that have been enduringly incorporated by the church in the form of Easter eggs and the Easter bunny who brings them. Maybe this diminishes the reality of Resurrection, reducing an event to a chocolate bunny, an easteregg hunt, a bonnet, or a parade of new clothes can definitely take out the power of the spiritual and engage the material.

"He is Risen!" is more than a slogan, it is a battle cry. "We are empowered!" should be our response. It moves us from the sanctuary to the marketplace to bring the good news of the revolution, resurrection, to the oppressed and imprisoned. It is our responsibility, our authority (through the Holy Spirit) to set people free.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon you
Because he has anointed you to preach good news
He has sent you to the poor (This is the year)
To bind up the broken hearted (This is the day)
To bring freedom to the captives (This is the year)
And to release the ones in darkness

(This is the year) of the favour of the Lord
(This is the day) of the vengeance of our God
(This is the year) of the favour of the Lord
(This is the day) of the vengeance of our God

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon us
Because he has anointed us to preach good news
He will comfort all who mourn (This is the year)
He will provide for those who grieve (This is the day)
He will pour out the oil of gladness (This is the year)
Instead of mourning you will praise

by Andy Parks

This is Viva la revolution.