How Long?
How
long does it take for a man to realise his sin and turn to back or turn to the
Lord. How about his family? His town? How long does it take for a nation to
turn from their wicked ways?
Quite
a time maybe – or was it fast?
As
far as I know, we only have one, maybe two recorded instances of “suddenly”,
but there are several examples of slow turns. The most obvious ‘suddenly’ was
when Elijah called down the fire of God on Mount Carmel. The only other
instance where my reading of scripture indicates a sudden turn was when Moses
came back to find the golden idols. Every other story of the Jewish peoples
returning to God was somewhat longer. I suppose we can also say that on the two
sudden occasions, the whole of Israel was gathered in one place so that made a
sudden corporate repentance possible.
How
long would such an event take now? A corporate, whole nation, turning from
their sin and crying out to God? I suppose it would only be possible with the
use of the media these days and, even then, it would need to be something very
public, very spectacular, and very obvious for the whole nation to stop and
take any notice. I imagine that TV re-runs and so on could help too but it may
have to be something pretty cataclysmic to turn the nation. Even 9-11 didn’t do
that !!
So,
in all probability, it will only happen a little more slowly. In past revivals,
even recent ones, things have started slowly and gathered momentum as the word
spread and as people carried the blessing to their own communities. Wales and
Azusa Street took a couple of years although the after effect was felt for
decades. Argentina in the 80’s and 90’s affected huge numbers of their nation
but was never a national thing. It became international as people visited and brought
the blessing away with them. But, big as it was, it was never something that
affected the whole nation. Nor was Toronto, or Pensacola, or any other more
recent outpouring.
So,
how long will any new revival take to grab the nation’s attention, and how long
will it last? What will it take to grab a nation and shake it to attentiveness
such that the Gospel can be preached – and effectively acted upon? What will it
take to turn a nation? I don’t think we can even begin to realise the power and
presence of Holy Spirit – “Now to Him who
is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according
to the power that works in us,” Ephesians 3:20. I think that when Holy
Spirit moves again, the media will be involved big time. I think it will be
such a phenomenon that we will have to learn to sprint to even keep up with
Him.
Finally,
how long before it happens? Some say it has started, or is already starting. I
pray for health, wisdom, and discernment for there will be many deceptions as
all of this unfolds. Millions will be swept into the Kingdom and I will be so
very joyful to even witness some of it let alone be an active part of it.
Here
am I, Lord, send me.
No comments:
Post a Comment