You have no doubt heard the word “Revival” countless times, in what is probably many years in church. We learn that it is a work that God does in us and in his church. Often we learn that revival something that should be eagerly sought. But a few verses challenge my earlier notions of what it means to eagerly seek revival.
It is too easy in our 21st Century American minds to make revival a state to strive for, an end to years of good works. In this way we put it in the same category as a job promotion; the good sought-after result of doing everything the boss has asked of us.
But on the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us that it is the meek who inherit the earth, that those who hunger for righteousness will be filled. Not because they are meek, or hungry, because they have attained anything, but because those are who God chooses to bless.
The empty cup is the one that is filled.
In Isaiah 57, a section my version titles Comfort for the Contrite, v.15 begins with “For this is what the high and exalted One says…” a phrase that should prompt all of us to eagerly take in the phrase that follows.
“I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”
In Psalm 69, v.30 David praises the name of God with a song, I will magnify him with Thanksgiving… v32 “when the humble see it, they will be glad, you who seek God, let your hearts revive.
These verses overwhelm me with a sense that God gives revival to those who are low, humble, repentant. And that my God pleasures in giving new life, and that He gives that life lavishly to those who are desperately empty of it. He chooses to live with us while we are still broken, so His life-giving mercies return to Him as praise.
Seek only Him this week. As our hearts turn to contrition, peace, humility, allow the God of Revival to find you there, and be filled.
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