Let's Roll!

by Pastor Bill Geis

"Come now; let us leave!”
--Jesus, from John 14:31

All it takes is two words to stir up our memories of September 11, 2001. “Let’s roll!”

Those were the last words we would hear from Todd Beamer. He and the heroic passengers of Flight 93 inspired the nation with this simple battle cry. In the days that followed, those words spread like a raging fire throughout this land stirring up passion, resolve and unity in us to stand against evil and to advance the cause of freedom.

Jesus’ words quoted above were spoken from the table we would come to call, “The Last Supper.” They too were a battle cry. Though we were not there, we can see him through his words. We can see the resolve on his face as Jesus would rise from that table and throw himself into the ultimate conflict that has terrorized the world since man’s first sin. He knew that these words would lead to his death. He also knew they would secure your freedom. Can you hear him crying out? “Let’s roll!”

America has had its share of victories and disappointments since 9-11. The story is still unfolding. Discerning our wisdom and mistakes in the aftermath has yet to be fully revealed. One thing is certain, however, our passion, resolve and unity since those early days has deteriorated substantially.

Fifty days after Jesus’ great victory, God’s people were stirred up with passion, resolve and unity. A fire was running through the soul of the first Christians. Jesus’ words and his victory would spread like wildfire around the world.  On the great day of Pentecost, which we celebrate this week, you can just hear in Peter’s sermon the battle cry, “Let’s roll!” Those fires are still burning and spreading from nation to nation and generation to generation. Throughout the millennia since that great day, Christians have made their share of wise and foolish moves. We too are a story unfolding. In America, however, one thing is obvious, our passion, resolve and unity has waned from the passion of those first Christians and from the resolve of faith found in those facing of persecution today. It doesn’t have to be that way!

“Let’s roll!” This is Jesus’ cry for his church today. It’s echoed in the voices of countless witnesses who have persevered as his followers. It’s the call of the Holy Spirit kindling revival in us today. It’s embedded in our creedal cry, “he will come again!” How can we say that in our creeds with even a hint of complacency? We’re not simply waiting for his return; we’re called to bring it on! Jesus’ last words were, “Go, make disciples!” Perhaps they would ring stronger in our hearts and ears if we translated them, “Let’s roll!”

The celebration of Pentecost this week is a call for revival. To ignite that fire, one only need take a fresh look into the passionate eyes of Jesus. When you “Meet Jesus” it’s impossible not to be “on fire.” Indifference is simply out of the question. To kindle that fire, requires support and fuel. That’s why we must,  “Experience the support of a church,” not just occasionally, but constantly. The fires grow dim when we’re alone and separated. Now if we really expect to set that fire ablaze as God desires, that requires a step out beyond the safety of “church.” It is the power unleashed in the call of service to be Jesus’ witnesses throughout this land. America has become less connected to Jesus because his followers have become less connected as evangelists. Faith won’t spontaneously erupt again in this land. We have the Gospel, the fuel and powerful call of the Holy Spirit to “Live as Disciples.” That’s how revival spread in the first Pentecost and every movement since. St. John’s motto, “Meet! Experience! Live!” should provoke us all to say, “Let’s roll!”

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