THE MOVEMENT THAT WAS DOOMED TO FAIL

 [from Max Lucado's ON THE ANVIL, pp.115-117]

From the start the movement was doomed to fail.  For one thing it began with just 120 men.  Remarkably few, when you consider that their homeland had a population of four million.  Besides that, most of the men were illiterate and poor.  Blue-collar workers they were, far too ignorant to stage an uprising that could make any difference.

Few, if any, had travelled beyond their own country.  They were inexperienced and uncultured.  Their nation was oppressed.  Their people were weary.  Their government was corrupt.  Their religion was shallow.

The strategy of the movement was disastrous.  No headquarters was ever established.  No professional research was ever done.  Plans were made by the seat of the pants.  The leaders couldn't even agree on the exact definition of their mission.

On top of all this, the movement was impractical.  It was far too extreme and absurd.  It demanded too much too soon.  It lacked any tact.  It was too impatient with traditions.  It called for a reversal of social classes.  It gave too much leverage to women and minority groups.

The movement was doomed to failure.

But it didn't fail.  It succeeded.  Not only did it succeed but it far surpassed any movement in our world's history.  Within thirty years the message of Jesus Christ had entered every port, city, and courtyard of the world.  It was infectious.  It was a moving organism.  People actually died to see it continue.  

It should have failed but it succeeded,  And it still succeeds.  God's movement will never stop.  Some say that the U.S. is a post-Christian nation.  That doesn't matter.  Others scoff at the absurdity of believing in anything absolute.  That won't stop it.  Materialism blankets the country.  Still the movement will continue.  It might be slowed, but it will never be stopped.

The church might bicker and fight.  The people might grow crusty with traditions.  The leaders may grow nearsighted. But the movement will march on.  Nothing will ever stop it.  The Judean Commander can't be stilled.

We should fall to our knees in humble gratitude that God has allowed us to participate in such a cause.  For this is not the movement of a man.  It is the movement of God.  That is precisely why what should have failed will never fail.  It is the movement of God.