Whatever Happened To Revivals

Whatever Happened To Revivals?

By LEO HORNADAY

5575 BARGER DR. EUGENE, OREGON 97402

Some of us whose memory reaches into the distant past when there were no nuclear missiles, no footprints on the moon, and no rock and roll music, can remember when there were real "revivals." Like the "good old days," they seem to exist only in memory.

Occasionally there is a longing in the heart to return to the "Revival spirit" that once gripped us and lifted us above the world. We are usually able to shake it however, by turning on the TV, busying ourselves with a hobby, or going shopping.

Like many of our happy memories, it is pleasant to recall occasionally, but we are careful not to get too sentimental. If these thoughts are entertained too long, they can produce revival-bearing conviction.

Admittedly, we hear distant rumors of revivals occasionally, but their frequency and impact are definitely diminishing. More often than not, revival efforts, like drawing water in a leaky bucket, come up empty.

Revival can't be bought or bartered. Hiring the most eloquent speaker and meeting in a comfortable cathedral are no substitute for a broken spirit and a contrite heart. All too often, we expect others to be responsible for our spiritual condition.

When we look to men rather than God, we must settle for what men can produce. This may excite our emotions and result in a change of habits. This is not equal to Revival. God has made each of us personally accountable for our own relationship to Him.

Neither can we work up Revival. The tower of Babel brought its builders no closer to God than were the observers. Unless our heart is right with God, the works of our hands are only vain efforts. We may try to serve God in order to get His attention, but under the influence of Revival, we adore Him because He has our attention.

One man-made substitute for revival is the ecumenical mass meeting mania that has swept our country for several years. Some of these ultra evangelical entertainers promise salvation without separation and produce disciples without discipline.

We live in changing times and one thing that is changing is our reliance on God. When we depended more on God, we stayed closer to Him. It was easy to count our blessings when we had less to count.

When we no longer feel the need to ask Him for our daily bread, we are prone to doubt that He is willing to forgive us our debts and restore the Revival spirit.

Revival is still available. The cost, however, may be more. God requires nothing between Himself and His disciples. Removing the things that clutter our lives and come between ourselves and our Savior may cost more than we are willing to pay. While we delay, revival tarries, the revival spirit is quenched, and souls die.

From NORTHWEST PROFILE