It seems that once the first of the year rolls around one of the primary topics of conversation in the evangelical world is the need for revival. The current state of the world is lamented and bemoaned, and a genuine desire to see a return to biblical values is brought forth. Yet, even with this renewed focus year after year, the darkness continues to set in. What will turn the tide? What will cause a true reawakening in our country, and perhaps the world? One thing is for certain, true revival cannot be manufactured. However, what we know from Scripture that true revival begins with a commitment to Scripture itself.
During the reign of Josiah, what began a new revival in his own heart that spread outward to the nation was the discovery of the "Book of the Law of the Lord." When the king simply heard the words of the book, he tore his clothes - a sign of repentance. (see 2 Chronicles 34-35). This began a nationwide revival in which the people turned to God and brought down the altars built to false gods.
When the nation of Israel had returned from exile and the wall as completed around Jerusalem, what began a new national revival of repentance was Ezra's reading of the law before the people (Nehemiah 8). So deep was their grieving that they wept even as they heard the law still being read.
After 400 years of silence, it would be the word of the Lord coming through John the Baptist that would prepare the way for the word to become flesh and dwell among us. Moving forward into the epistles, we see that it is the glory of God as seen in the face of Christ that is meant to be the focus of our praise and adoration.
Revival happens because of God's word, not in spite of it. I don't know what will happen as 2014 rolls on, but I do know that until the church returns to its first love and rekindles a yearning and longing for God's word, true revival will continue to evade us. Preachers must boldly proclaim the whole counsel of God, and we all must come to God's word thirsty and parched, and drink until our soul is satisfied.
Older
Top
