Very recently I read an exciting and interesting new book by Pastor Greg Laurie called Lennon, Dylan, Alice and Jesus. Strange name I know, but it was a book about those three musical icons, their contemporaries and how they felt about Jesus. Pastor Greg also wrote about other rock icons-Morrison, Hendrix, Joplin (who were all part of the dubious 27 Club because they all died when they were 27 years old), as well as others. He wrote about Jesus’ influence on different rock and roll artists- their acceptance, rejection, falling away, and embracing-of Jesus.
After reading that refreshing, sometimes sad, but still refreshing book, I decided to go back and read again another book by Greg which I had read back in 2018 called Jesus Revolution. I only started it last night so I can’t say much about it. However, chapter 1 began with this quote:
There can’t be any large scale revolution until there’s a personal revolution, on an individual level. it’s got to happen inside first.
Who said that? Hold onto your hat when I tell you. Jim Morrison.
Shocked? Yeah…me too.
Sounds like some religious jargon doesn’t it? How many times have you heard or said something like, “Real revival must start with me.” It’s true. Real revival, real renewal, must begin within each one of us, starting with me. Real revival is a revolution, a radical changing of my heart and mind to being conformed to the image of Christ. To borrow and reword Jim Morrison’s words: It’s an inside job.
You see, I think the world (and the church to some extent), has seen enough of, and had enough of fake “works of God.” I know I have had enough of pretenders (and that includes me from time to time). We see the garbage and hucksterism on TV for what passes for faith, and we hear of crusades (not Harvest Crusades put on my Greg Laurie) with all the showy junk, that we are literally sick of it.
I know I’m sick of what passes for “God’s work” and “God’s words.” Sort of makes me sick to my stomach.
Revival, or a move of God, is much more than “You don’t do this” or “You don’t do that” or “You must act a certain way” or “You must belong to a certain political party.” No. Revival is a radical change within a person’s heart. THAT is what the world wants and needs to see.
Jim Morrison was right. We need Someone to light our fire. It’s not a baby (babe). It’s the King of kings setting us on fire with a fire of epic proportions. That is one that will set the night on fire by bringing the light of Christ to its darkness.
That the real thing. Authentic. Life-changing. White hot change-maker.
“Start with me, Father. Set me on fire.”
