It Only Takes One...

“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…”—John 1:9-12, NIV

When Jesus came to our planet, to His own people, even those who were “looking" for their Messiah, we forget that not everyone believed. Though the religious leaders who heard the constant chatter feared “the whole world has gone after Him,” many, many did not. And many who did, turned back.

And still, Jesus’ arrival was a phenomenal, unprecedented, history-shaking moment that, unlike any other moment in time, of any other kind, continues to rock nations, neighborhoods, and neighbors with Life.

It was huge. And yet, it was birthed in very small beginnings....Twelve regular, every-day guys. None heralded for his brilliance or creativity or planning skills. All imperfect. One day loyal to the end, the next day cowards, then back again. Sometimes wide-eyed in faith, sometimes freaking out in a storm. And except for one, all became champions of the heart cry of the demon-possessed boy’s father: “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.” 

And He did, and so He filled that near-dozen unlikely bunch to the full with all they would need to keep going and being all that they were created to be. And He always has, to all the handfuls down through the ages whose faint heart cry has been the same.

And despite what it may look like around you, He hasn’t stopped yet and isn't about to.

Rounding the corner to another season of Advent—of remembering the greatest Arrival of them all, and an even greater second Arrival yet to come—we see the pattern magnified: One lone voice crying in the wilderness. A young man and a young woman with a Divine visitation yet filled with doubts and wonder. A handful of guys minding their own business out in the fields at night. Three (maybe a few more) wise sages from afar following, following, who knows what but following. One man in a society of thousands faithfully looking for and longing for the Arrival and then speaking destiny into the lives of the young man and young woman filled with doubts and wonder...and the very Arrival in their very arms. One woman, seemingly alone for nearly 80 years but never really alone because worship never left her heart, confirming it all.

The season of Arrival can mean many things, and one of them is surely this: Whether we live in a city of millions or a rural town of hundreds and feel alone or insignificant in our longing for Arrival, it’s good to remember that Jesus has never been impressed by huge crowds but instead moves into and through enlarged hearts of a remnant few. 

Many of the greatest revivals in history, in the most unlikeliest of places, began with one man or woman saying “I will follow, come what may,” or two or three unnoticed ones praying together in their homes at night.

What difference can one person really make? The prophet Isaiah must have been wondering that when God told him “‘Cry out!’ And I said, ‘What shall I cry?’” To which the Lord replied, in so many words, “next time you go for a hike, shout ‘ARRIVAL!’ It may seem foolish, it may seem pointless, it may seem that only the trees and birds can hear, but go ahead and shout something like this:

'You who bring good tidings to your nation

Go up on a high mountain.

You who bring good tidings to your region,

Lift up your voice with a shout!

Lift it up and do not be afraid.

Say to the towns around you:

‘Here is your God!’”—Isaiah 40:9, adapted

And the rest is history.

A reminder to never stop singing, saying, praying that the LORD reigns, that He is good, that His love endures forever, and that Love is a free gift for all who would receive. One more “Cry out!” today on that mountain top, living room, or commute to somewhere could be what triggers a powerful Arrival the likes of which we’ve never dreamed—in our towns, region and nation, and maybe even in us.

“Even so, come, Lord Jesus, come.”