Can we ever really 'create' a Spirit-filled environment? Is it ever really possible for us to set things just right and then - because of the setting - be assured that the Spirit of God is among us? Or, maybe the better question is, can a man (pastor or layman) ever really revive a church when he comes to it? Is this within our grasp?
I do believe that many churches and church leaders answer all of these questions with a loud resounding YES! I confess, as well, to have been wooed and tempted many different times by them, often playing at the notion that I too should join the choir of singers and sing the high note in the affirmative. I too am tempted by the thought that it is our responsibility as Christians and especially as pastors to bring about God's Holy Spirit; to bring about powerful revival in the church and in the world.
However, if I understand what Jesus and the Scriptures say about the Holy Spirit and the establishment of the church, to answer these questions in the affirmative sets everything we know about Him backwards. For the Spirit comes at the sending of Jesus. He comes and the church is formed. Yes, the Spirit reveals and the church understands; the Spirit enlivens and the church is revived.
So I wonder if, in a way, our attempts to 'create' revival or 'establish' a community that is 'Spirit-filled' boils down to arrogance. Or perhaps, at worst, idolatry.
Maybe, as we look to our pastors for revival - we are placing them in the very position of Jesus Christ our Lord - the One who truly sends His Spirit! Maybe those of us who pastor churches should learn to remove ourselves from the place where only the One True Man should stand and beg humbly for the Spirit in prayer. Maybe instead of trying to create a 'Spirit-filled environment' we should humbly look to see where it is that the wind of the Spirit blows and join Him where He is at work. Maybe we should stop laboring so diligently towards a task that is not given to us and instead trade it in for a faithful life of seeking and finding. Yes, human institutions need human maintenance - but God's church is not, and never will be, a purely human institution. Lord willing we can begin to learn our place in it rather than force ourselves upon it.
//Ex Profundis//
