As promised: A few words on the revival (II)

 

Three weeks ago, I mentioned the fact that the revival has a price; and although we are many to desire to witness it in our churches or cities, few of us are actually prepared to pay that price: the price of perseverance. As early as yesterday, Pastor Olly Goldenberg reminded us that when George Mueller -whose faith is legendary- became born again, he vowed before GOD to pray for the salvation of five of his friends twice a day. He did this faithfully every morning and every evening; but it was only after ten years that the first friend gave his life to Christ. After 20-30 more years of assiduous prayers, only four of them were converted. Mueller died without witnessing the conversion of the fifth one, who became a Christian a year after his death. Did GOD answer his prayers? Yes, indeed; totally. Did He do it within the timeframe that most people would expect? No. Are there many of us praying with such regularity for our children, parents, friends, colleagues, nation or pastors, even though everything seems to indicate that nothing is happening and GOD is deaf? I don’t think so; and yet, this is what it really is about when we speak of faith. The Bible tells us that, against hope, Abraham believed in hope (Rom 4:18). We need to learn to live within the time as if out of it; after all, eternity is embedded in us.

Dr Roberts Liardon also explained to us that the first signs that the revival has finally started are:

• Strange things begin to happen. In Paul’s days, clothes that had been in contact with him were used to heal the sick and cast out demons (Ac 19:12).
• Then, there is a shift in the spiritual atmosphere and demons begin to manifest. Paul had been casting demons before in the city (vs. 19:13), but without repercussions like that which was seen after the trashing of the seven sons of Sceva by a demon-possessed man (vs. 17).
• Then, there is a cultural impact. When the Ephesian revival started, people burnt books and magical artefacts of great value; things which were inherent to the culture of the time.
• Finally, people start paying attention to what Christ says and wants: the Word of GOD begins to increase and prevail mightily. This result will not fall from heaven by itself: Christ gave power and authority to the Church. She is the one who needs to pay the necessary price for the revival - i.e. for the bringing down of systems and discipling of nations.

We were also reminded that the greatest moves of the Spirit always come with the greatest reactions from the enemy. Remember the events surrounding the birth of Moses and Jesus? And those surrounding the exodus of the children of Israel or the persecution that followed the birth of the Church at the Pentecost? In other words, while we long for revival, we should also prepare ourselves for adversity.

“I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered” (Mk 14:27). There are countless revivals which started here and there and did not last, usually because of flaws in the leadership. This is why it is necessary to prepare agents of revival; a team that will carry on the work. This is what Jesus did with the 12; what Paul did in Ephesus, and also what he advised Timothy to do (2Tim 2:2).

The Ephesian leadership meeting in Acts 20:17-ff, teaches us that Paul never tried to mesmerize the elders with his spirituality. He presented himself to them just as he was; they saw him happy and they saw him crying as well; he was no superhuman to them, he was a man just like them. He had taught them publicly and privately as well, in words and in deeds, and did not shrink from declaring the whole counsel of GOD to them. Nowadays, many men of GOD struggling with self-assurance are afraid to pass on what they know, in fear that the beneficiaries will be empowered and leave the church with some of the sheep. But I have this question: even if someone were to go, is it not preferable for the Body of Christ that such person leaves well equipped instead of the contrary? Then Paul insisted that they take heed of themselves and pay attention to the flock which was being entrusted to them. They needed to know themselves; especially, know their weaknesses and govern them before governing the church. What temptation of the enemy gets your attention? If you know it, run away as soon as you discern it from afar. As a former alcoholic, pubs are probably not the best place to go about evangelising.

GOD bless you and have a great revived week in HIS Presence.