Kairos Moment

We are standing in a critical, decisive point in time – a kairos moment. While we see upheaval in our culture (in values, illnesses, earthquakes, wars), we also see a spiritual revival drawing unprecedented attention simultaneously in multiple places. This is “a moment of great importance and significance” when conditions are ready and favorable.¹ We are seeing evil forces showing their true colors. But we are also seeing God’s hand moving in a mighty way. Many who are onsite at the Asbury Revival are saying, “No one is planning this. God is in control.”

So what is our part at this opportune time? And what is God up to?

               Our Part

We can’t map a path to a better future without first acknowledging our present condition. Our world is in great need of healing. We are damaged and broken. We as individuals are weak, fearful, and uncertain. We need new life. We need REVIVAL. We need refreshing because we are wilted! We need God.

 This morning I ran across the word kairos in Acts 3:19.  Special “times of refreshing” require the right conditions. It’s a time to stop and individually change our way of thinking. That’s what the word “repent” literally means. It also means to acknowledge the error of our ways and to turn to the divinely-prescribed way of truth and right living.²  When we each humbly acknowledge that we have fallen short of the glory of God,³ He forgives us and wipes our slate clean. ⁴

 Our guidebook is God’s Word. As a lamp to our feet, it sheds light on where we now stand. As a light for our path, it shows us the way ahead. ⁵ When we ask God, “What needs to change in my life?”, He will surely tell us – things like: stop complaining, arguing, and judging. When we ask, “Where do I go from here?”, He says, “Accept My love for you,” and more.

 If you listen to the original chapel service that preceded the current Asbury Revival, you will hear Zach talk about  the lesser, selfish forms of love in our world. By contrast, the love of Christ is “gentle and kind.” Then he said, “Come up here and experience His love. Don’t waste this opportunity.” If you listen to interviews of those who have experienced this revival onsite, you will hear them talk of sensing the love of Christ around them. But this isn’t just about warm fuzzies. It’s about how we are changed when we know we are loved. When we truly accept God’s forgiveness and Christ’s love, we feel compelled to share it with others.

A pastor friend put it this way: “The true measure of revival is what happens afterwards. Revival is for a purpose and always results in the growth of the church. People take up the purpose of the church.” ⁶  

               God’s Part

For this kairos, significant time, our Creator and mighty God has a plan. “He will be the sure FOUNDATION for your times, a rich store of salvation, wisdom and knowledge. The fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.”⁷ In fear and reverence for God alone, we trust in His unequaled wisdom and desire to save us.

God wants to show us His plan. How do we prepare for that? Psalm 50:23 tells us, “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors Me, and he PREPARES the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.” Thanking and praising God for who He is puts us in our proper place of acknowledging and humbly honoring His many amazing attributes. Our God is greater than any human or spiritual force on earth! And yet He is always just, compassionate, patient, and good.

As we praise God and experience His love right now, where we are, we will be refreshed, revived, empowered and filled by His Holy Spirit to move forth as His Body of believers to show His love in tangible ways. God’s word tells us to “make the  most of every opportunity (kairos), because the days are evil,” ⁸ and to “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity (kairos). Let your conversation be always full of grace… so that you may know how to answer everyone.” ⁹     

These are exciting times! We are blessed to be a part of God’s move. By allowing God to work in and through us, we will not miss our chance to be a part of this kairos moment!

¹ “Kairos”: Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible;  ² Ibid;  ³ Romans 3:23;  ⁴ 1 John 1:9, Acts 3:19;  ⁵ Psalm 119:105;  ⁶ Rev. Bill Spencer;  ⁷ Isaiah 33:6;  ⁸ Ephesians 5:16;  ⁹ Colossians 4:5,6.