Remember Ancient Paths
Ancient paths. Why study them? Lessons gleaned from those in generations past who walked in “good way” paths can cause us to hunger for more of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power. Here is one biblical exhortation:
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Stand in the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’” (Jeremiah 6:16 NIV)
I once stood behind the pulpit in the Cane Ridge Meeting House in Kentucky, trying to imagine what it was like during those few days in August 1801 when an estimated 20,000 or more from varied cultures and economic standings showed up for what became known as the Western Great Revival. “A religious phenomenon,” said one eyewitness. “Thousands were experiencing the new birth,” reported another.
Rev. Barton Stone, Presbyterian pastor of the Cane Ridge church, had notified pastors in Kentucky to invite folks to come help celebrate a quarterly communion sacrament on the first Sabbath in August. Previous revival camp meetings elsewhere had prompted a spiritual hunger and some curiosity seekers.
So, news spread, drawing families even from neighboring states. They arrived by foot, horseback, carriages, and in wagons loaded with food, tents, camping supplies, lanterns and candles. Meetings lasted from Friday to Wednesday, with communion on Sunday.
People who could not get into the log meeting house listened to preachers who stood on tree stumps or speaking platforms erected in the clearings, expounding on Scripture day and night– all preaching at the same time. Rev. Stone said of those frontier preachers from different denominations: “They were of one mind and soul; the salvation of sinners was the one object. We all engaged in singing the same songs, all united in prayer, all preached the same things.”
Some participants described the meetings: “No one seemed to want to go home. Hunger and sleep seemed to affect nobody. Eternal things were of the vast concern. Some being under great convictions. Persons falling down and carried out to where prayer was made for them. Singing psalms or hymns, rejoicing and inviting sinners to come to Jesus and salvation. Men, women and children declaring the wonderful works of God, and the glorious mysteries of the Gospel.”
Membership in churches throughout Kentucky exploded afterwards. Many who experienced the Holy Spirit’s touch continued to share their testimonies publicly. The Second Great Awakening was gaining momentum.
Spiritually hungry Christians today look forward with anticipation for the Third Great Awakening, which some believe has already started. Review ancient paths? Yes, we can study even others.
Prayer: Father, thank you for those who walked in godly paths before us. Help us to walk in Your desired paths with the help of the Holy Spirit to guide, teach and empower us as witnesses for You. I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: [Jesus speaking:] “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses…even to the remotest part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 NASB)
Note: The log church at Cane Ridge, built in 1791, recognized as possibly the largest one-room log building in North America, is now enclosed by a limestone super-structure.
See our e-book book, The Beginner’s Guide to Receiving the Holy Spirit by Quin Sherrer and Ruthanne Garlock
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