Robert Murray McCheyne—A man whose church had a revival (while he was gone).

This is one of my favorite stories about Robert Murray McCheyne. 

He left to go to Israel to evangelize the Jews and renew his own heart; walking where Jesus walked, taught, bled and rose again. While he was there, God accomplished a mighty work in his home church. 

Here is the account: 

“Mr. Burns returned to Mr. McCheyne’s flock on August 8th (McCheyne was deathly sick in Israel, praying for his people under all his own suffering). Two days later, the Spirit began to work in St. Peter’s (McCheyne’s church), at the time of the prayer-meeting in the Church. Day after day the people met for prayer and hearing the word; and the times of the apostles seemed returned, when “the Lord added to the Church daily of such as should be saved.”

One night Mr. Burns spoke a few words about what had for some days detained him from them, and invited those to remain who felt the need of an outpouring of the Spirit to convert them. About a hundred remained; and at the conclusion of a solemn address to these anxious souls, suddenly the power of God seemed to descend, and all were bathed in tears.

Such in substance were the accounts he heard before he (McCheyne) reached Dundee (his home). They were such as made his heart rejoice. He had no envy at another instrument having been so honored in the place where he himself had labored with many tears and temptations. In true Christian magnanimity, he rejoiced that the work of the Lord was done by whatever hand.” 

Here are some reflections I have:

First, the Spirit blows when He wants and on whom He wants.

Revival is a fascinating phenomenon to me. I have studied the two Great Awakenings in 18th and 19th century and for all of its extremes; it seems to clearly have been the “hand of God”. Jonathan Edwards wrote about it and defended its legitimacy. And surprisingly, many of the revivals came through the words of men who were more Calvinistic in their understanding of salvation (i.e. Whitefield, Spurgeon, Harris, Edwards, etc.), rather than those who embraced the Arminian scheme of salvation.

Furthermore, I have concluded that a revival is “of the Lord”. This is undoubtedly self-evident, but many have tried to manufacture or convince the Spirit to show up by human means (i.e. the ministry of Charles Finney) and yet time (and genuine fruit) reveals the error of their ways.

But I ask that none of the readers conclude that the wind of the Spirit is arbitrary or random in His moving. He choose Mr. Burns for a reason and NOT Mr. McCheyne for another reason. Still, the most basic and beautiful truth is that “salvation is from the Lord” (Jonah 2:9). Prayer and proclamation are the only responsibilities given to man.

Second, God doesn’t need us.

No really…….He doesn’t. God didn’t need us in eternity past. The beauty and love perfectly revealed in the Godhead was not lacking or bored. Yet He chose to create us and He chose to give His elect a stewardship, which is the Gospel.

McCheyne was sick in bed, praying for his congregation and God chose to bring dead bones to life (Ezek. 37:1-14). Did McCheyne pray for a revival in his church in his absence? Maybe. But I doubt it. Nevertheless, God stirred the heart of His people and many came to salvation.

This great servant was taught a necessary lesson….God doesn’t need me. His ways are higher than my ways (Isa. 55:9). His decrees and divine plan will come to pass (Job 42:2).

How wonderful is this truth! Yet this truth is only acceptable to those who are humble in heart. Why? Because you have to grapple with this reality: I am not near as important as I think I am. McCheyne labored years at St. Peter only to have the validation of his ministry (from a human perspective) given to another co-laborer. For those new converts, Mr. Burns, not Mr. McCheyne, was their spiritual father in the Faith.

Was he bitter towards God or envious of Mr. Burns? Apparently not. Look at McCheyne’s words as he returned from Israel:

“Everything here I have found in a state better than I expected. The night I arrived I preached to such a congregation as I never saw before. I do not think another person could have got into the church, and there was every sign of the deepest and tenderest emotion.”

He goes on to conclude:

“I have no desire but the salvation of my people, by whatever instrument.” 

Wow. No envy. No jealous. All the sanctifying work of the Spirit (Phil. 2:12-13). 

Third, there may be more revivals if there was more prayer.

There are many tensions is the Christian life. One of these is that God answers prayer, but we are commanded to pray according to His will (I John 5:14). Therefore, it makes sense that the more we pray according to His will, the more He will answer it.

I believe that American Christianity considers “prayer meetings” to be outdated. For many, these were gatherings primarily seen in fundamentalism or the Puritan movement. Even at my church, there is no weekly prayer meeting. This is not to say people or leaders aren’t praying…..I know they are. But is it the fabric of the local church anymore? I am not sure it is. D.L. Moody’s ministry exploded through the “noon time prayer” hour. Charles Spurgeon’s legendary “boiler room” was the fuel that pleaded with God to save the souls of men EVERY SUNDAY.

Can there be a third awakening in the 21st century? Absolutely. May this be the generation where the Spirit blows with the force of a hurricane.