The end should decide the beginning – This is a revelational model of living.
Or, the journey is an endless set of beginnings with no end. This is an existential model of living.
I tend to think that I would like to know what comes last so I can choose where to begin.
Awake, my soul!
A great heart cry from centuries past. In our current context, maybe even more so!
In a “woke” generation, we can excitedly stand up and point our opening eyes towards God. Not victimhood, or oppression, or even corrupt power.
The reflection from God’s eyes will push us towards seeking correction, reparations and restoration. But look into the eyes of love first before you fire any volleys of wrath and revenge. Find in those eyes that revenge is God’s to choose and execute, that anger is against ungodliness, and that the path to God’s peace is found through Jesus.
I’ve been thinking about revival for more than half a century.
This relates particularly to Christian / Church revival. The word itself implies that life is returned to an object that has either withered or died.
Revival should see two things. An initial point of breath. And a continued path of obedience.
Over the years I’ve been a part of, or followed closely, a number of revivals. Remnants of some revivals have shrivelled over three or four decades. Others faced a soon death. And others have seen the need for a revival of the revival.
For revival to happen, breath has to return. Calling out to God, being ready for conviction, cleansing and healing all lead to the return of that initial breath. In other words – call God and don’t hang up.
Then there’s the second part of revival. Once breath returns, we start to think the next breath is of our own making. We open ourselves up to choking on our own pride and hubris. Asphyxiation looms on the horizon unless we call out to God once more, and don’t hang up!
Perhaps revival is that constant breathing in and breathing out. Inhale Jesus, exhale the bad. REPEAT.
In my youth, I labelled myself as an organizer and forward thinker. That lent to jobs of administration and oversight. Run by the rules and live into the future.
Today I sensed. This is not an unusual thing, and has become more of my life style. I consider and contemplate.
The combination of the two styles within my life is a good balance. Most often one prompts the other. Reading and researching kick me towards possibility. Silence and sitting kick me towards revelation.
Hear me well. I am not an unprincipled possibility thinker. Nor am I an ungrounded prophet.
Today the sitting was primary, the silence informed by music, and the insight tinged with Isaiah 64.
My heart cry today?
God of the universe, revealed in Jesus, COME DOWN – be manifest in our world. Hear us, Heal us, Convict us, Cleanse us. Turn our world up side right.