Simply the Bible Blog

“Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’” (Revelation 21.5)

I will never forget the look on his face. Bill came up to me after the service, his wrinkled senior face glowing and his eyes slightly wetter than usual. “You’re a different man,” he said. “And I feel new!”

I don’t think I can put my finger on it, but God is definitely moving in our church. Freshness is in the air. Each Sunday we set up and tear down in an elementary school. Never have I seen so many serving so willingly…and joyfully.

We pray for revival, but what does it look like? How does it feel? Where does it begin? We should not be surprised that God would do a new thing. He is infinitely creative. He delights in making all things new! He takes these wasted and sinful lives and transforms them by His grace into something lovely. He takes the senior and gives him the wonder of a child.

I believe revival starts very small–so small that we are likely to miss it–at least at first. Like Horton hearing the Who, such a mystery is likely to go unnoticed. But then someone hears its voice–the still, small voice of the Spirit. And as he hears he also responds in faith and obedience. Life is renewed. Light comes. Darkness vanishes. All things become new. Is this not the beginning of revival? Are these not the melting snowflakes that form a mighty river?

Today is altogether different from every day that has ever been or ever will be. What is God doing? Where is the Spirit flowing? How can I jump in?