“ My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word”–Psalm 119:25
My Beloved in Christ Jesus,
From one end of the Evangelical spectrum to the other, from Presbyterians to Pentecostals (and everyone in between!), the language of revival can be found among those who confess faith in Christ.
As you know, the history of the appearance and spread of Christianity in America cannot be adequately told without reference to the many ‘revivals’ that have dotted the national landscape over the passing centuries. And there are many of us in our Church fellowship that have, at one time or another, experienced such a revival. Perhaps it was in a ‘revival meeting’ that you first heard the Gospel and trusted in Christ. Or it could have been at just such a time that you came to a greater awareness of Christ’s Lordship in your life, and from then on you have lived for Him with more zeal and passion.
While there are differences and significant points of disagreement between Evangelical denominations regarding the place and purpose of such revivals in the life of God’s people, one thing is indisputable: the language of revival is also discovered in the Word of God, and especially in the Psalms. Let me give you just a few examples:
“ You who have shown me many troubles and distresses will revive me again, and will bring me up again from the depths of the earth”–Psalm 71:20.
“ Revive us, and we will call upon Your name”–Psalm 80:18.
“ Revive me according to Your faithfulness, so that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth”–Psalm 119:88.
“ I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have revived me”–Psalm 119:93.
On this new Monday (like most of them), it is this theme of the need for ‘revival’ that seems to always come to mind. And I’m sure you are aware of the same need in one way or another. So I simply want to point out a few things about this rich Biblical topic that I believe might encourage us as we begin the week.
First, as the Psalmist uses this word, revival is something that is needed by and that happens to those who already know the Lord. It is the saints who need reviving. The lost are in need of regeneration.
Now it is certainly true that when Christians are genuinely revived there is sometimes a great outpouring of God’s mercy upon the lost. But, nevertheless, it is those who are alive in Christ who need the spiritual revitalization that is inherent in this word ‘revive.’
Second, the need for us to be revived is perpetual. This is why the Psalmist so frequently asks for it. As long as we are living on this side of heaven–as sojourners in a foreign and hostile land, fighting each day’s spiritual battles–we will need fresh spiritual life and strength.
Third, the revival of Christian believers is the work of the Holy Spirit, who accomplishes this ministry through the Word of God. It is God’s Word, illuminated and applied to our hearts by the Spirit, that awakens us to new spiritual vitality and energy.
We must remember the inviolable link between the Spirit and the Word. As we are exposed to the Holy Scriptures (through preaching, teaching, reading, and hearing) the Spirit of the Living God sanctifies and renews us.
Fourth, the prayerful plea for revival is a prayer that our Father will always answer! When we recognize our weakness, our sinfulness, our proclivity to wander, and then humbly beseech our Father to forgive and renew us, He is always delighted to do so!
But, we must turn to His Word! Christians who neglect the preaching and study of the Word will not be revived, and will rather languish in weakness and despair. But when we embrace the Word of our God, His Spirit goes to work. And His specialty is granting life!
Finally, if the need for personal and corporate revival is always present, then the experience of revival should be on-going as well. That is, revival should be the continual and repeated experience of every Christian and every local Church. We might say, revival is the normal rhythm of Christian discipleship until that day that we behold our Lord face-to-face. We always need it. Our Father is always granting it, each moment, each hour, each day, and especially each Lord’s Day as His Word is proclaimed in preaching and dramatized in the Sacraments!
So, here we are. Another Monday has arrived. Another week of fighting the good fight of faith lies ahead for each of us. Another day is before us in which we once again realize our many weaknesses and sins, and we dread the prospect of another failure, or are in mourning over one that has already occurred. We are very aware of the reality that our adversary could sift us like wheat were he to be released against us. We need revival yet again!
Well, despite all of this, there is the most wonderful news for weak Christians like you and me: revival shall come! As we ask our Father to fill us with His power and resurrection-life, we can be assured He will answer us! Revival begins today! A fresh-start awaits us! Be encouraged!
I love you all so much!
Mike