The Urgency of Revival and the Call to Shine
For the past month, our focus has been on the need for revival. But some may wonder, why all the emphasis on revival? What's the big deal? Well, the truth is, as believers, we are on a journey. From the moment we accepted Christ until the day we step foot on Heaven's shore, we are constantly in need of renewal, restoration, and refreshment.
In a sermon by Vance Havner, a 20th-century revivalist, he shared a message that resonated with me. It was based on Ezekiel 21:11-12, which speaks about the Watchman and the night. This message has great relevance for us today, as we find ourselves living in a time of darkness.
The Watchman
In the Bible, the concept of the Watchman is mentioned over 20 times. Watchmen were assigned to stand guard and protect the community from enemies. They were like sentinels or guards, alerting the people to danger. Today, we too are called to be Watchmen, guarding against the darkness that surrounds us.
But being a Watchman is not limited to preachers or leaders. Each one of us has a divine responsibility to sound the alarm and warn others of the impending danger. Just as a Watchman protects the city, we are called to protect our community, our families, and ourselves from the darkness that seeks to overcome us.
The Night
We are living in a time of darkness, as prophesied in 2 Timothy 3. Paul describes this time as perilous, with people becoming lovers of themselves and lovers of money. We see pride, boastfulness, and a disregard for what is good. People are ungrateful, unholy, and unloving. They have lost sight of the importance of family and respect for parents. Slander, lack of self-control, and a love for pleasure have become the norm.
But amidst this darkness, we must remember that we are called to be the light of the world. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others" (Matthew 5:14-16). Our light should not be hidden, but rather, it should shine brightly, illuminating the darkness around us.
The Time
So, what time is it? It is high time for us to acknowledge the darkness and the urgency of the situation. Darkness will never go away on its own. We must actively choose to turn on the light. As Romans 13:12 says, "The night is far gone; the day is at hand." The time for action is now.
We cannot deny the reality of the darkness that surrounds us. We must admit it and accept that we are called to be the light. It is time to let our light shine, to be the Watchmen who sound the alarm and protect others from the darkness. We must embrace the responsibility that God has given us and fulfill our purpose.
Accepting the Call
Revival starts with each one of us. We cannot rely on others to do the work. We must acknowledge that the call to shine is for us, for every believer. We have the power to make a difference in our community, in our nation, and in the world.
But in order to accept this call, we must first admit that we are in the dark. We must acknowledge the darkness that exists within ourselves and in the world around us. Only then can we truly understand the need for revival and the urgency of shining our light.
Once we have admitted the darkness, we must actively choose to turn on the light. We must let our light shine brightly, unashamedly, and without reservation. We must be the Watchmen who sound the alarm, warning others of the danger and leading them to the light.
Finally, it is time for us to accept that it is our responsibility to shine. We cannot rely on others to fulfill this calling. We must each take up our cross and follow Jesus, allowing His light to shine through us. We are called to be the light of the world, to be the ones who bring hope, love, and truth in the midst of darkness.
So, what will you choose? Will you embrace the call to shine, to be a Watchman in this dark world? Will you admit the darkness, acknowledge the time, and accept the responsibility? The choice is yours.
Let us pray together, asking God to empower us to be the light in this dark world:
"Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts focused on You. We ask that You remove any distractions and help us to hear Your voice clearly. We recognize the darkness that surrounds us, and we admit that we cannot overcome it on our own. We need Your light to shine through us. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and empower us to be the Watchmen who sound the alarm and lead others to Your truth. May our lives be a reflection of Your love and grace. In Jesus' name, amen."
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