In 1985, Africa was experiencing a devastating famine that was wreaking havoc throughout the continent. In response, an organization was formed, U.S.A. for Africa; it was an unprecedented outpouring of worldwide generosity. United Support of Artists for Africa (U.S.A.) reflected the phenomenon that saw almost 40 of the biggest names in music and pop culture “check their egos at the door” to be a part of something bigger than themselves… raising more than $60 million to assist the people of Africa in their greatest hardships.
For those of you that can remember… Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, Diana Ross, Huey Lewis, Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Paul Simon, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, and Willie Nelson… among others, coming together to record one song from which none of them would financially benefit.
Now, for those of you who have no idea who any of those folks are, that just hurts my heart.
Nevertheless, out of that collaboration came the original recording of We Are the World, which began with these words:
There comes a time
when we heed a certain call
when the world must come together as one.
There are people dying
oh, and it’s time to lend a hand
to life, the greatest gift of all.
Church,
our time is now (2 Corinthians 6:12)
our calling is clear (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8) and
ours is the greatest Gift of all (John 3:16).
And with all of that in mind, God also calls us to be united (John 13:34-35, John 17:20 – 26). In prayer. In purpose. In what we say. And what we do.
As we continue our devotions through the book of Luke…
As we begin this journey through the book of Acts…
As we launch our LIFE Groups over the course of the next several weeks…
As we discover all the various ways God has wired and gifted and called us…
Holy Spirit, move powerfully among us, bind us together, and use us for God’s glory!