Making Ripples
Everything continues in a state of rest unless it is compelled to change by forces impressed upon it. - Issac Newton, First Law of Motion.
Causing people, systems, theories to change from one way to another is almost and impossible task. Yet, as we know, once the raindrop of change falls onto the steady surface of the status quo, some amazing things can result. Take for instance this story about the humble potato and how it go its start into the popular diet. This excerpt was taken from Bits & Pieces, Jan 9, 1992, pp 13-15.
It is hard to believe now, but the potato was once a highly unpopular food. When first introduced into England by Sir Walter Raleigh, newspapers printed editorials against it, ministers preached sermons against it, and the general public wouldn't touch it. It was supposed to sterilize the soil in which it had been planted and cause all manner of strange illnesses--even death.
There were, however, a few brave men who did not believe all the propaganda being shouted against it. It was seen as an answer to famine among the poorer classes and as a healthful and beneficial food. Still, these few noblemen in England could not persuade their tenants to cultivate the potato. It was years before all the adverse publicity was overcome and the potato became popular.
A Frenchman named Parmentier took a different tack. He had been a prisoner of war in England when he first heard of the new plant. His fellow prisoners protested the outrage of having to eat potatoes. Parmentier, instead, thoughtfully inquired about the methods of cultivating and cooking the new food. Upon his return to France, he procured an experimental farm from the Emperor, in which he planted potatoes. When it was time to dig them, at his own expense, he hired a few soldiers to patrol all sides of his famous potato patch during the daytime. Meanwhile he conducted distinguished guests through the fields, digging a few tubers here and there, which they devoured with evident relish.
At night, he began to withdraw the guards. A few days later one of the guards hastened to Parmentier with the sad news that peasants had broken into the potato patch at night, and dug up most of the crop. Parmentier was overjoyed, much to the surprise of his informant, and exclaimed, "When the people will steal in order to procure potatoes, their popularity is assured."
What an amazing ripple that started from one man’s belief that things could be different – much less even better – because he chose to have the eyes of a visionary…and now, how long can you go without eating French fries?!?!
A similar ripple went out through the world in the first century, as followers of the martyred and resurrected Christ began to teach the people that citizenship with the nation of Israel was no longer a marker of salvation. Instead, a new brand of religion, irrespective of lineage, gave the opportunity for EVERYONE to become heirs of the kingdom of heaven. And like a small pebble penetrating the surface of a still pond - like fire in dry stubble - Christianity took hold, and churches in every corner of the world have been making waves in the kingdom ever since.
As our church stands on the precipice and looks out a new year, we have much to be grateful for. We stand on the shoulders of over 151 years of steadfastness in our community. God has brought many people our way over the years, and our building renovations a stirring everyone’s soul with excitement – but this is not enough. No, we want to do more and be more for God in 2007. And like a small pebble in the pond of North Dallas, Lord, would we make waves for the kingdom!
As you worship this week:
Meditate – on how God has used local churches throughout their history to make great changes in the world around them.
Contemplate – the ways you see the church becoming more effective in the coming year.
Seek – the Lord’s favor for you/your church family and your/their ability to be agents of change in the world.
Find – a way to embrace what God is doing and become a part of His plan.
Resounding Themes:
Vision for the World
Knowing Jesus, Our Guide
May the Gentle Shepherd Lead
Getting READY to Worship
Ready, Set, READ
Acts 2:42-47
Ready, Set, MEDITATE
What is the scene that leads up to this passage in Acts 2:42-47? What specific things are incredible about these events? How does Peter capture the moment and bring the people’s hearts toward God? What is their response?
As the church is born, what are some of its initial responses to great change? How were things to be different than before? Did these differences threaten or worry some? How?
How are you and the change-o-meter of life? Are you able to adapt quickly or do you, like Sir Isaac Newton stated, stay still and struck until forced to do otherwise? How do you feel God calling you to make waves for His sake? How can your small ability to change effect ripples to become waves for God?
Ready, Set, PRAY
God, we acknowledge You, O Mighty Sovereign. Your timing is a wonder. Your ways, beyond tracing. Your activity in the world – undeniable. We stand in awe of your majesty and we cry HOLY!
Lord, give us the hearts for change. Stir in our souls the passion of a pioneer seeking a new land. Rouse our courage to conquer the feared and overtake the threatening. Allow us to see new visions and dream new dreams. Grant us true Pentecostal fervor, as that burned in hearts of those early believers.
Lord, we will risk all for Your Name’s sake, and we elevate the cross as our banner. And it’s in Jesus’ name we find ourselves equal to such a task. AMEN.
Ready, Set, WORSHIP!
posted by Chad Higgins @ 1:14 PM
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