Inspiration is at the heart of every great story or event. This is especially true in the biblical story.
Inspiration is at the heart of every great story or event. This is especially true in the biblical story. When Israel was groaning in slavery in Egypt, an inspired leader was called from a distant wilderness to lead the nation to freedom. When the land of promise was oppressed by tribes who kidnapped women and children, burned towns and destroyed crops, God called various inspired leaders that we call Judges to liberate the land from fear and hunger. When the nation forgot its purpose and neglected justice for the poor, God raised up inspired prophets like Jeremiah to thunder forth the summons: “Thus says the Lord who made the earth…” (Jeremiah 33:2).
Inspiration is the word we use for a team that beats a better opponent. Inspiration is the word we use when an artist creates a masterpiece of painting or music. But the word “inspire” is not reserved for just a few. It a word we use for ourselves when we awaken to some necessary and needed task. Why would a nurse go to New York, leave the safety of home and family, and serve in hospitals where complete strangers and sick and dying? Why would truck drivers stay on the road to make certain food and other necessities are delivered during the covid-19 crisis? The answer, of course, is found in the word “inspire.” Something happens to a person’s mind and heart that awakens them and compels them to do more, become great.
In the Christian Bible (Acts 2:17-18), we hear that the day has arrived. It is now. It is today, when, “…I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men will see visions, and your old men will shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit…”
New life, new strength, new energy, new vision, new ways of seeing the world and its possibilities is what inspiration is all about. Please notice: no one is left out of the new thing God is doing. Old, young, men, women, slaves, free, boys, girls— God calls everyone and it takes everyone to accomplish the task.
Maybe you are tired. Maybe you are weary of “Living and partly living” (to borrow a phrase from T.S/ Eliot). Maybe you are ready to catch the Spirit and become inspired to a life that is never partly living but a life fully alive—inspired.
Teach us your Word, reveal its truth divine,
on our path let it shine;
tell of your works, your mighty acts of grace,
from each page show your face.
As you have loved us, sent your Son,
and our salvation now is won,
O let our hearts with love be stirred, help us, Lord, know your Word.