“Revival”

 “Revival”

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2)

Sometimes I believe that, in charismatic circles, we are looking to “experience the glory”, without proper understanding of where and how God’s glory manifests itself. 

As I have learned in my own life, God will bring signs and wonders right when and where they are needed. These supernatural gifts are for the Glory of God and the Service of His people. Therefore, to put those who operate in them…those who have conversations with angels, “trips to the third heaven” - to name but a few examples - on a pedestal…without considering their character or maturity as a Christian (and without actually TESTING their claims) is extremely unwise.

If all our emphasis is on the claims of signs, wonders and physical miracles, we are walking down a dangerous road, which if unchecked will ultimately end here: Revelation 13:11-17

For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) 

I have seen even children caught up in this: Based on their claims of seeing visions of Jesus, Heaven or angels, these children are pushed into the limelight and pedestaled by their parents. Whether true or not, this is irresponsible and tragic...and will ultimately ruin these children’s precious souls. 

We live in a culture that demands exceptionalism - and loves to create celebrities. But we are not supposed to be like that culture: We’re supposed to be SET APART from it. (Romans 12:2)

What we should be teaching our children - and reminding ourselves of - is this:

…That the Lord didn’t come for the best of the best.

But for those who realize that, when weighed and measured against His perfect standard, they are the very worst of the worst (Matthew 3:3-5; Luke 5:31-32)…and in dire need of the Salvation of the Cross. 

We should never lose sight of where we came from in our souls…because Paul did not: See 1Timothy 1:12-16.

This does not mean that we should revisit our past over and over: heaven forbid! Only that we should NOT FORGET where the Lord brought us out from - and, as burning branches plucked from the fire, be THANKFUL: This alone should give us a yearning desire to stoop down and pull others out from the same pit: to be the hands, feet, heart of Jesus! Is this not the place where the REAL encounters take place…with people - and with angels? When this is who we become, we know we are experiencing true “revival”.