A Refreshing for the Church by Chas. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 14, 1910

A Refreshing for the Church

By Chas. Thompson

There is nothing more needed in all our churches than a genuine refreshing from the presence of the Lord. To such a time Seventh-day Adventists have looked forward through their entire experience. The Lord instructs us to “ask of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain.” Zech. 10:1. We all understand this to be figurative language, which will be fulfilled in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in a marked manner just preceding the second coming of Christ. The figure is indeed beautiful. We all have witnessed the falling rain as it poured its refreshing moisture upon the earth. It seems the windows of heaven open, and the showers gently come down; and vegetation, apparently dead and worthless, is refreshed and springs forth to a renewed life of beauty and usefulness. Thus it will be when the church receives the refreshing that comes from the presence of the Lord.

In connection with this I think of the Lord’s promise in Mal. 3:10: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and

prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” This text states a condition that would exactly fulfil the figure used, to “ask of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain.”

We are under obligation to aid to the extent of our ability in answering our own prayers. Therefore let us do all in our power to clear the way so God can fulfil his promise.

He says, “Bring ye all the tithes into my storehouse, . . . and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing,” full and running over. This would certainly be a refreshing from the Lord, the latter rain. And this seems to be a condition upon which it will be given, and one that all can meet. Certain it is that, coupled with judgment and mercy, it is necessary that we be honest in handling that which belongs to another, entrusted to us as stewards.

I think of Achan. He got what belonged to God mixed up with his stuff. He stole what belonged to God’s treasury, and as a result Israel was defeated, lost a victory, and was chased before their enemies. In “Testimony,” No. 31, page 153, we read: “If the presence of one Achan was sufficient to weaken the whole camp of Israel, can we be surprised at the little success that attends our efforts when every church and almost every family has its Achan?”

Dear reader, do you not believe these statements point out why we do not receive a more copious shower of God’s Spirit? Would you like to see your church refreshed? Then see to it that you are not an Achan. Fathers and mothers, would you like to enjoy more of the Spirit of God in your homes, and have its power to aid you in instructing your children? If so, examine your accounts, and be sure you haven’t the Lord’s money among your “stuff;” or, in other words, see that you are not an Achan. If we will attend to this matter individually, we can enjoy the refreshing collectively. CHAS. THOMPSON.