Words, like fashion trends, ebb and flow in popularity and usage. At times, this shift is driven by significant cultural or historical events. In 2020, the word pivot vaulted to the top of the charts on a global scale.
A pandemic necessitated—and then turbocharged—the idea of massive change in direction. This was true in classrooms, boardrooms, airplanes, and even national pastimes. Pivoting became essential.
Zoom replaced face-to-face interaction, and “You’re on mute” became the most repeated declaration in remote corporate meetings.
Pivot.
By definition: to change direction, strategy, or focus—often quickly.
Example: The company pivoted to online sales during the downturn.
While the origin of the word traces back to 1810–1820, the ultimate example predates that by many centuries.
In fact, the most significant pivot in human history had nothing to do with sickness, catastrophe, conflict, or economics.
A miscarriage of justice. A mock trial. A caving to political pressure. An arrogant religious mandate.
And history moved—changed forever.
The pivot of all pivots.
A theological pivot, for sure—but also a historical one. A cultural one. A pivot of cosmic significance with deeply personal implications.
Imagine mankind living in the first part of existence without gravity. Then, in one transformational moment—gravity.
Everything changes in an instant.
A gravitational pivot.
Not a bullet point in the historical record, but an anchor from which all of humanity shifts 180 degrees.
This is what the biblical account puts forward. It is the anchor on which our faith finds meaning and purpose.
Good Friday.
The pivot toward grace.
Not just a change. Not just masks on airplanes or canceled basketball tournaments, but the most consequential event of all time.
Jesus—the righteous one—voluntarily giving up His life so that a pathway to God could be opened.
Easter.
The pivot toward hope.
A seismic shift.
“Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and
blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could He
die, and only by dying could He break the power of the devil, who had the power
of death. Only in this way could He set free all who have lived their lives as
slaves to the fear of dying.”
(Hebrews 2:14–15, NLT)
The stranglehold of the evil one—broken.
Jesus didn’t merely encourage righteous, holy, compassionate living—He provided it for us.
Liberation Day.
History changed.
Jesus didn’t come to enhance our résumé. He didn’t leave His heavenly realm just to chill and hang out. He came to provide the ultimate pivot point.
History turned at the cross. Death surrendered at the tomb.
And this reality remains the most consequential sequence in all of human history.
Good Friday. Easter.
The pivot of all pivots.
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