On my study leave last week, I was digging into Iain Murray’s Revival and Revivalism. In the chapter chronicling the history of revival entitled Glory In Virginia, these two concepts leapt out at me:
“There seem to have been no areas where there was general revival during the years of the War of Independence, from 1775 to 1783. In most of the country there was evident spiritual decline as political and military events dominated public attention” (p.74)
And, then a little further toward the end of the chapter:
“As we see in the time of Edwards, Whitfield, and Davies, one mark of an outpouring of the Spirit of God is the presence of a stronger catholicity of spirit among believers. Only when churches put adherence to Christ first can the world begin to recognize the real identity of those who bear his name” (p.88)
Get it? If we really want God to move in these days, the answer isn’t getting our person in the White House and laboring with all our might to that end. No. It’s, to use the words of Murray, adhering to Christ alone and being consumed with Him, not military or political prowess, that brings the revival so many of us long for. I’m not calling you to disengage. I’m pleading with you to engage and make Christ supreme in your affections. And, may God bring revival again in these days.
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