That Big Word – “If”

“…if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 

2 Chronicles 7:14

Jonathan Edwards

As a child, I attended several revivals with either my friends or my parents, who had been “coerced” by some of their friends. The revivals I remember most vividly were either held at the local Methodist Church, or they were held at Methodist camps, and were simply called, camp meetings. Quite often the preacher for these revivals was a guest who was a noted preacher, and I remember some of the sermons being quite spirited, which was what was intended. These sermons were designed to encourage the listener to diligently seek revival and renewal of themselves and the creation, which is what the noted eighteenth century Congregationalist preacher and theologian, Jonathan Edwards was seeking to do in 1746, when he published a small book with a long title, An Humble Attempt to Promote Explicit Agreement and Visible Union of All God’s People in Extraordinary Prayer for the Revival of Religion and Advancement of Christ’s Kingdom on Earth, Pursuant to Scripture Promises and Prophesies Concerning the Last Time. This book called for the churches in New England to seek the Lord for revival. By this time, the spiritual fires of the Great Awakening had diminished, and Edwards wanted to once again see the Spirit at work among the people.

In verses 1 – 8 of the fourth chapter of the book of the prophet, Micah, one finds where God promises and envisions a revival of his chosen people, and they will be an influential force for good. Some of the Psalms speak of times of blessedness and fruitfulness, as people come to believe in the Lord. Other prophets, such as Daniel, and proto-Isaiah, point to a day when God’s kingdom spread over all the earth. Jesus encourages his followers to seek his kingdom, and in doing so, one participates in advancing the kingdom.

However, Christ’s rule on earth isn’t brought about through magic. Each time we pray, “…thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…” we are recognizing the need for renewal, for revival through a union with Christ and all his followers. We are called to unite with fellow Christians during extraordinary times and stay the course until the Lord fulfills his promise.

Edwards based his call for revival on Zechariah 8:20-22 which reads, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, the inhabitants of many cities; the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, ‘Come, let us go to entreat the favor of the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts; I myself am going.’ Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of the Lord.”

Despite the long title, which can be off- Parish Registers putting, Edwards’ book has influenced many Christians to come together and passionately offer prayers for the renewal and revival of all God’s creation. Edwards’ message is needed today, as much as it was in 1746. God’s call to seek him for revival and renewal is beyond dispute. As the familiar hymn reminds us, we are called to “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you…” If we do so, we start on the step to revival.

Curtis+

(Again, thanks to T. C. Moore for providing the thoughts and some of the material that went into this writing.)