- John 17:3 NKJV And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
- John 20:30-31 NKJV And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
- Romans 6:4 NKJV Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
- Romans 6:11 NKJV Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Colossians 2:13 NKJV And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,
- Revelation 22:17 NKJV And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
I decided to see what the word “revival” means in everyday English. It comes from a French word that means to bring back to life. It was first used in the 1600’s to describe a production of a play that had not been performed in a long time. The dictionary includes our usual churchy definition, “a reawakening of religious fervor, especially by means of a series of evangelistic meetings.” Thank God for these things, but I thought some of the more secular ideas were interesting. You might enjoy some of these options:
- improvement in the condition or strength of something.
- an instance of something becoming popular, active, or important again
- a new production of an old play or similar work.
- a restoration to bodily or mental vigor, to life or consciousness, or to sporting success.
From the scriptures above, it’s clear that if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you are alive. You have His life in you. It would also seem that we can go back to the river of life at any time and get a fresh drink. It’s not that we’re literally dead, but we have lost touch with the reality of the life that’s in us.
As we head for the gathering of God’s family today, let’s believe for a revival. Even if no one else joins in, you can get a fresh draught of life straight from the throne.
Lord, revive our strength. Bring our attention back to the importance of a vital connection to You and Your people. Bring to remembrance all the wonderful times we have had serving you, and give us a new expectation of things to come. Wake us up, invigorate us, and make us conscious of You, not just in church, but in every moment of life.
Amen!
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