Revival Is Not The End Game…

Have you ever heard the word, revival? If you’re a Christian, chances are you have. If you’re not a Christian, chances are you have. It’s a very common word in Christianity with historical reference points. Although it is not a biblical word (found in the Bible), it is a biblical concept. I was raised within a particular expression of Christianity where prayer was central. My mother and other elders around me had an acute sense of their reliance and dependence on God. They surveyed their lives and the lives of those around them with the desire to see change. The kind of lasting, undeniable societal change, in line with the Bible’s vision.

The word revival implies a bringing back to life. It is a supernatural change that acknowledges the world (as we currently experience it) is not what it was intended to be. As Christians, we believe that God created the world and everything He made was “good”. The cry for revival, then, is a cry for the world (and humans) to be what God always intended.

You see - Revival is not the end game...revival is a means of preparing us for the end game. Revival is the door that we walk through to experience the Bible’s vision for the world.

The end game is unhindered, barrier-less life with God in pure light and love. This kind of life has implications on every aspect of the world as we know and experience it. It’s seeing the world, and everything in it, finally reaching its telos. Revival has a goal and we do it a dis-service by thinking it is the goal.

There have been many “revivals” in the history of the world, with some lasting longer than others. One in particular that I see as closest to the Bible’s vision is what took place off the coast of Scotland in the Hebridis. I won’t go into detail (you can research for yourself) but here are some of the markers of the revival there: decrease in crime, emptying of jails, closing of bars. This is the kind of revival our country needs. Only God can make that happen. In a nutshell:

• Unless we see safer, cleaner streets - it’s not revival.

• Unless we see equitable wages in the workforce - it’s not revival.

• Unless we see the elimination of racism, ageism, sexism and all negative isms - it’s not revival.

• Unless we see decarceration, justice reform and zero crime - it’s not revival.

• Unless we see value of life in every stage and for every person - it’s not revival.

• Unless we see every person in our area, in relationship with God through Jesus Christ - it’s not revival.

You see where I’m going with this?

So, yes…pray for revival. But, also pray for where it will take us.