The Last Great Revival in the Bible Is Global Transformation

"He will be a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate." (Isaiah 228:6, NIV)

This is not just a description of local church revival.  Take of your Sunday School, church-meeting-confined glasses.  Our text speaks of city and national transformation.  Even though many have tried for centuries, the Bible will just not allow a parochial interpretation. 

For the last 45 years particularly, the humanist collegiate scene has denigrated the "Founding Fathers" of America.  Regardless of the attack on them, I saw a great painting in DC this past week of the 1774 meeting of the Continental Congress which depicts the Congress in prayer, men on their knees, some with hands folded.  This is not just a painting; it's historic fact.  These men were a key part of, "those who turn[ed] the battle at the gate."  One can only imagine what would happen in the United States of America, and any nation for that matter, if that painting would "come alive" today! 

In the mid 19th century, there was what has been referred to as "The Layman's Prayer Revival of 1857-1858" (note, "Laymen's").  One author describes it as "a widespread religious awakening most famous for urban prayer meetings in major metropolitan centers across the United States." Another writer says of the revival, "With little human planning, a nationwide revival broke out....In the awakening that followed, nearly 1,000,000 people accepted Christ....It would be as though today 8-9 million people came to Christ."  Here is a sample of the power of Christ's Presence just in New York City.  "Ships coming into New York harbor came under the power of God's presence.  On one ship a captain and thirty men were converted to Christ before the ship docked.  Four sailors knelt for prayer down in the depths of the battleship North Carolina anchored in the harbor.  They began to sing and...shipmates came running down to make fun, but the power of God gripped them and they...knelt in repentance."

Some believe that had this "revival" spread even further, the tragic American War Between the States may have been averted, speculation, of course.  But how many "speculations" do we need before the Church decides "enough is enough?"  How many more 2008 elections do we need? how many more Sept. 11ths, 2001? Viet Nams? etc.?  Make no mistake-- even though religionists, liberal, evangelical, and charismatic alike have attempted to keep people involved with just "spiritual things," and that within the confines of church activities, parochial
sermons and national ministries, you just cannot keep Jesus Christ so confined.  The last great "revival" in the Bible speaks of "Global Transformation."  It would behoove us all to so prepare and involve ourselves.

Father, in Jesus' Name, enough of just reading about it.  Amen.
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When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2