Why Revival Tarries - Leonard Ravenhill

Published by Bethany House Publishers: Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1988 (1959).

This book has been one of those 'timely' books for me, challenging my faith-walk immensely as I read it, and yet also being an incredibly quick read (for this type of book). Elise and I have been reading Chasing the Dragon on and off for quite a while now (it will eventually be reviewed here when we finish it), and that book and this have combined to stir my heart quite a bit recently.

Why Revival Tarries isn't really a book with much of a 'flow' to it. I would describe it rather as mostly punchy statements written down by the author in order to challenge and stir the reader - and it does its job. I could quote a lot of these statements (and have written a number down in my journal), but one that I have shared in a few settings while reading the book is: "One of these days some simple soul will pick up the Book of God, read it, and believe it. Then the rest of us will be embarrassed." (page 69). 

Most of the statements are around the topic of prayer and passion, challenging the reader to consider their own faith and whether or not it is being truly 'lived out'; Ravenhill says elsewhere: "God does not want partnership with us, but ownership of us." (page 40). We are not to seek the praise of men or fame for ourselves, but it lay it also down in service of our King. Ravenhill also challenges us to come first to the Bible ("Most preachers are only echoes, for if you listen hard, you will be able to tell what latest book they have read and how little of the Book they quote" (page 109)) and to God, even laying down our intellectualism or (mildly ironically) our love of theological literature - "Preacher, if your soul is barren, if tears are absent from your eyes, if converts are absent from your altar, then take no comfort in your popularity; refuse the consolation of your degrees or of the books you have written! Sincerely but passionately invite the Holy Ghost to plague your heart with grief because you are spiritually unable to bring to birth." (page 135)

For a Christian who is falling too far into dry ritual or intellectualism, this book is a welcome reminder to come back to the mystery of Christ, and to let Him transform you with His love and by His Spirit.

I pray that I will learn from this book as well, and that it won't be something I just take in intellectually without letting it affect my soul.

Very worthwhile.

Completed 16 April 2021.

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