THE BURNING NEED FOR REVIVAL
"Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?" (Psalm 85:6). "O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy" (Hab 3:2).

     Revival, as I am using it, is the reawakening of those who once had dominant spiritual life. It is no small benefit to have people who sense this and seek it from the Lord. As the Psalmist once said, "Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?" (Psa 85:6). It also happens on an intensely personal level, as is revealed in these words: "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the
wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me" (Psa 138:7). 

     Sometimes, rather than becoming cold and indifferent, the energies of the godly are depleted by the stresses and contradictions of life. Our great God also takes note of such individuals. "For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones" (Isa 57:15). 

     In the normal course of the believer's life, revival is an ongoing requirement. But I speak of a special need of revival in our time a spiritual awakening of great magnitude. The Western church has "waxed fat" like Israel of old (Deut 32:15). It has wallowed in complacency too long. Here and there, awakenings are happening, but they are not on a significant scale. We need a revival like that of John the Baptist's day, when multitudes "went out to him (from)  Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins" (Matt 3:6). That revival was not scheduled on earth, had no promotion, and as spearheaded by a recluse. But it had an effect upon Israel it had not experienced in a long time. From the days of John he Baptist, Jesus said, "the kingdom of heaven has been  forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it" (Matt 11:12, NIV ). 


     A revival involves an increased awareness of the Lord Himself, and the need for His presence and blessing. The totally unacceptable nature of sin is perceived, and a diligent effort made to be cleansed from both its guilt and its power. Oh, how we need revival today! 

     PREACHERS need revival. Throughout the land, preaching is plagued with mediocrity and spiritual death. Men step forward to speak for God who have nothing to say, no fire in their soul, and no tenderness in their heart. Others are so beaten down by the lethargic state of the churches, they are fainting for discouragement and despair. There needs to be a revival among the preachers of our land.

     CONGREGATIONAL LEADERS need revival. Legion is the name of the congregations whose leaders are weights upon their back. They are dull of hearing, blind in their souls, and too close to the world. Elders, deacons, and teachers must get the fire of God's Word in their bones again, and zealously feed the flock of God. Enough of administration, lifeless board meetings, and general disinterest in the things of God. Some leaders have good hearts and noble ambitions, but are heavy because of the continual obstacles they face. There needs to be a revival among congregational leaders.

     CONGREGATIONS as a whole need to be revived. Entire bodies of people have been lulled to sleep in the very presence of the God of heaven. They appear unaware that the door of heaven stands ajar, bidding their entrance. Many congregations cannot sustain an interest in the Word of God from Lord's day morning until Lord's day evening- -to say nothing of living revery day by every word of God. There needs to be a revival among our congregations.

     BIBLE COLLEGES need to be revived. Too many of them have been swallowed up by academia, and have lost their bearings spiritually. The student bodies of many Bible College campuses differ little from those of godless state universities. We hear few reports of all night prayer vigils, a sudden dominating interest in the Word of God, and powerful outbreaks of the preaching the Word. "Fun" is out of proportion, and "holiness" is virtually unknown. There needs to be a revival among our Bible Colleges.

     We are faced with a religious world much like the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel's vision (Ezek 37). On the whole, the condition is very bad, and looks nearly hopeless. But it is not! With some powerful proclamations of the promises of God, and the freshness of the Holy Spirit, these bones can live again!

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the Name of Jesus, give me grace to rise above all forms of mediocrity, indifference, and lack of spiritual awareness. Ignite my spirit, and unite my heart to live in fellowship with You through Christ and by the Spirit.

 -- MONDAY: THE CONCLUSION --