“There never was a real revival that did not produce heartburn and hallelujahs.” – Vance Havner
Have you ever noticed a repeated challenging pattern in scripture? It’s a recurring cycle of complacency, sin, and rebellion against God, resulting in repression and punishment. Eventually, the people cry out and repent. God awakens, revives, and restores His people in His mercy and grace. The wonderful blessing of His rest and peace for His people is shaken as they become complacent and rebel again. The cycle and downward spiral are found throughout the Old Testament and most graphically in the Book of Judges. It’s also a feature of the early church in the New Testament and indeed through church history in succeeding centuries right up to the present.
“And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go on your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went on their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.” Nehemiah 8: 9-12 ESV
Read on in the Book of Nehemiah – the people confess their sins and agree to obey the Law. Chapter 12 teaches us something about biblical worship – it isn’t a spectator sport; it greatly emphasises holiness and places a premium on real, heartfelt joy. Chapter 13 then lists the actions and reforms Nehemiah had to take to lead the people in this revival.
The people of God were clearly instructed that though they lived in the world, they were not to be of the world. Almighty God alone deserves our worship, so the ideas, symbols and objects worshipped by the world must not serve that purpose in our lives. Our relationships with those in the world must not include commitments or promises that compete with our obedience to God. This no tolerance, no compromise command of God still applies today!
21st Century Revival faces some new challenges that were not faced in previous ages! The fragmentation of face-to-face contact due to social media overload. Western culture is highly independent and individualistic, with numerous distractions and options rather than a cohesive communal mindset, thereby diluting the Gospel’s effect. The last 80 years have been marked by the increasing affluence of churches and believers, but history repeatedly shows revivals are typically preceded by major social and cultural upheavals and disorientation. Today, we see a decided lack of expectant faith for miracles and a reduction of Christianity to pragmatism. In much of the church, there is a decided lack of preaching and teaching on God’s Law, the Ten Commandments, and heaven, hell, and eternity. The fear of the Lord is absent, and frequently, there is a lack of accountability for sinful behaviours. Such must surely grieve rather than attract the Holy Spirit! Personal, family, and congregational prayer and seeking God are often sadly lacking. Concerted, continual and united prayer amongst church leaders and churches across cities, regions, and nations is rare. The postmodern fragmentation of knowledge has increasingly subverted the Biblical worldview. Tragically, the hope of
the Gospel message isn’t permeating the elite systems and people of our culture – if we want to see and experience not only revival and awakening but a lasting reformation that will change ungodly laws and culture, we need to reach ‘the elites.’
“Revival is the people of God constrained, gripped, overmastered, and overwhelmed by the love of Christ so that they are feverishly restless to win souls for Christ.” – James A. Stewart
Life in 2024 is filled with challenges, and Revival does not exempt us from such difficulties. Yet, undoubtedly, it is infinitely better to contend with the problems of life rather than the problems of death. Helping people resolve personal issues requires substantial amounts of time and counselling. Extraordinary zeal necessitates organization and direction. Energized saints need “tracks” to run on, and someone must offer direction and guidance for new ministries born in revival.
“So that he might present the church to himself in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:27 ESV)
Revival is not a “cure-all.” The otherworldliness and ecstasy that accompanies a moving of the Spirit is transitional. Revival is the process through which the church is restored to its former splendour and glory. Revival is not a goal but a gateway. It is God’s means of moving His people to a higher plane. When the Lord touches people at the living level of their lives, they gladly give themselves and their resources to Kingdom causes. In every revival you find people “with ears to hear” who respond by serving others, surrendering to missions, giving their assets, and witnessing to the lost.
The light of God’s presence brings to light all manner of “dark things” that get bypassed in a period of decline. In today’s culture, there is so much baggage to deal with that it can become exhausting. Critics are quick to point out the “weaknesses” of any given revival. Still, undoubtedly, it is better to stop worrying about the “weaknesses” of a particular revival—at least they had one! Instead of critiquing how God does His work, we should spend our time and energy believing and praying for His refreshing breath in our day. God raises godly men and women whom He equips to minister to seeking hearts. As Charles Spurgeon said, “The problems that follow revival make you wonder if revival is worth it. But without revival the church would have died. I choose revival.”
There is great hope! – Let us not forget that revival is already happening in the world today. There are some common threads to 21st-century revival in the majority world: fervent, persistent, and united prayer; committed fasting; poverty; persecution; and close community. Revival is happening in Iran – sustained growth at great risk to believers. In Thailand – breakthrough is at last being seen. In Myanmar – revival and transformation is happening amidst tragedy and terror of conflict. In India – there is sustained revival amongst the Dalits and tribal peoples. In Africa – revival is taking place in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia. These should surely challenge our materialistic, comfortable, individualistic Western churches.
Prayer
Gracious and merciful God, we give grateful thanks that You are not easily angered but are filled with abundant kindness and longing for Your people. Lord, grant not only us but our whole nation the gift of repentance, the gift of tears so that we can return to You with our hearts. Loving Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing our cries for help and bringing healing to our lives today. Amen.
“O, Lord, send us the old revival, without the defects; but if this cannot be, send it will all the defects. We must have revival!” John Wesley