We need revival.

I’ve heard that statement all my life. I’ve said it on more than one occasion. You may have, too.

But what do we mean? What do we want? What is our idea of revival?

I fear that for far too many of us, our longing for revival is a longing for a time and place we remember, or think we remember, from yesteryear. An idyllic time when people were good, moral, decent. When all was right with the world and everyone went to church and loved their neighbor. You know, the good old days.

But that’s not so much revival as it is moral reformation. And that only if those good old days actually ever existed.

“When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes.” (2 Kings 22:11)

Josiah had already begun to seek the God of David and to cleanse the kingdom of idols. He was already doing right things for the right reason.

Yet, when he hears the Word of the Law read for the first time, he is so personally convicted of his own sin and the sin of his people that he tears his clothes in anguish and sorrow. The repentant king is repentant again. And with the people, Josiah makes a covenant to walk after the Lord and keep his commandments. (2 Kings 23:1-3)

That’s revival. Hearing the Word of God afresh. Personally repenting of sin. Pledging together with the people of God to obey God. Cleansing self and church of idolatry.

May God send such revival!