Revival: a Christian buzz word for at least the past two decades… When we pray for revival, what are we thinking of? Are we looking for God to invade and subject our disobedience by overriding personal free will by a “move”? He will not. Yet the Lord seeks revival in the church more than we do: “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” (KJV – 2 Chron 16) “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (NIV) Where is revival found? In the singular person’s heart, then in unity of like-minded hearts, which are reflecting His heart: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Pet 3:9). The problem is never on God’s side, it is on ours. He is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is patient, and He is willing: (From Matt 8) “When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.” God says “I am and I am willing”, yet never expect God to shove your free will aside – He will not. I cannot expect revival unless I am personally willing to submit. And pray that others around me do likewise. We can have personal revival now, but how can I expect a corporate revival without a group of individuals submitting to Him (starting with me)? It’s personal – one on one with God – first. We ALL have to do it. It’s personal: “When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” (John 21:21-22). God says now. God says today. Yet He will never force Himself on you nor will He force you to agree with Him. You can be revived: now. But it is mindboggling to think we can seek a corporate revival without first submitting personally. Do we think we will change if there is a sign? A “move”? (“‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” (From Luke 16).) Word. Today is the day Lord. Let it begin with me, little by little if that’s what it takes but not stagnant! By Your Spirit, Lord, enable me to submit. “Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the LORD that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?” (Zech 4:10). Like Nehemiah: little by little if needs be, one stone at a time… “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 1:6). Amen. re•vi•val: n. 1. a. The act or an instance of reviving. (revive: 1. To bring back to life or consciousness; resuscitate). b. The condition of being revived. 2. A restoration to use, acceptance, activity, or vigor after a period of obscurity or quiescence. 3. A new presentation of an old play, movie, opera, ballet, or similar vehicle. 4. a. A time of reawakened interest in religion. b. A meeting or series of meetings for the purpose of reawakening religious faith, often characterized by impassioned preaching and public testimony.
Posted on: Tue, 24 Sep 2013 18:27:03 +0000
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