"The Power of Honor:
My Experience at the Grave of Charles Finney"
Dutch Sheets, Dallas, TX
The Elijah List
The Life of Charles Finney
God is big on honoring the memory of the righteous (see Proverbs 10; Mark 14:9; 1 Kings 11:13, 32, 34, 36; Jeremiah 15:1; Ezekiel 14:14, 20). Like many people, I sometimes go to the graves of my parents, grandparents, soldiers, great leaders, etc. to honor their memory and reflect on their lives. I don't try to communicate with them, which obviously is forbidden in Scripture, nor do I try to receive impartations from them. I do, however, usually spend some time visiting with the Lord while there.
Typically, I thank God for the person's life and the heritage He gave me through them; I usually acknowledge the price they paid for the Gospel or, if appropriate, for my freedom. I remind myself that I'm a link in the chain of history and that I must continue their legacy. In the solemnity of the moment and as an honor to their faithfulness and sacrifice, I often rededicate myself to the Lord's cause.
While ministering near Oberlin, Ohio on Sunday, September 21, I had the privilege of visiting the grave of Charles Finney. Finney, an attorney turned evangelist, was one of the greatest revivalists that has ever lived.(Photo of Charles Finney via Wikimedia)
He was a leader in the Second Great Awakening, and often called, The Father of Modern Revivalism. He also promoted social reforms, such as the abolition of slavery and equal education for women.
Just as I have with stumps, trees, rocks, monuments, chairs, beds, pews and wooden benches in the front of churches, I used his grave as an altar. I thanked God for Finney and those like him who have left us powerful legacies and examples.
Appeal to Heaven for Another Great Awakening
I reminded Holy Spirit of the First and Second Great Awakenings, and appealed to Heaven for another. As I pondered and honored the work of Finney and others gone before me, I once again committed myself to God and His cause. Then, in a very holy moment, I pledged to the young men and women with me that I would be a faithful father to them and their generation.
As we prayed, God chose this time and place to meet with me in a powerful way. I was overcome, as I have been before, with God's heart and love for America. I wept, as we all cried out for revival in our land. Why did God meet me there in such a strong way?
Perhaps it was to honor the memory of Finney, a faithful son; or, since awakening and harvest is what Finney so powerfully represents, maybe it was a confirmation that God is, indeed, going to give us another great awakening. It could have also been to remind us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves – that the great cloud of witnesses are watching and cheering us on, knowing fully that we're the continuation of their efforts (Hebrews 11:39-12:2). Whatever His reason for choosing this time and place, the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon me. I was re-mantled and re-anointed.
A Fresh Mantle and Anointing
A mantle in Old Testament times was simply a garment that pictured or symbolized an individual being clothed with the Holy Spirit and His ability. Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is 'upon' me..." (Luke 4:18). An anointing in the Old Testament referred to rubbing or smearing with oil as a picture of the Holy Spirit's impartation and empowering.
In the above verse, Jesus referenced this, adding, "He [Holy Spirit] has anointed Me." Those of us who speak of "mantles" and "anointings" are using Biblical symbolism to describe impartations that empower and equip us for a particular task or function. Sunday, for my assignment to America, I was re-mantled and re-anointed with a fresh impartation of Holy Spirit. (Photo by Jennifer Page Enter In via elijahshopper.comr)
God is not finished with America. Don't be moved by the naysayers and don't give in to hope deferred. There is a third Great Awakening coming to our land. There is another broad and passionate "appeal to Heaven" occurring in our land, which will be honored, just as it was when our nation was born.
There is a re-connecting to the covenants, promises and sacrifices of our forefathers.
And there will be an answer from Heaven in the form of the greatest outpouring of the Holy Spirit the earth has ever experienced – in America, and around the world. You are part of this! Keep crying out for revival – and cry out for revivalists like Finney to be raised up in our day.
Be encouraged – He is listening!
Yours for Awakening and Reformation,
Dutch Sheets
Dutch Sheets Ministries
Dutch Sheets Ministries
Dutch Sheets is an internationally recognized author, teacher, and conference speaker. He travels extensively, empowering Believers for passionate prayer and societal transformation. Dutch has pastored, taught in several colleges and seminaries, and served on the board of directors of numerous organizations. Dutch's greatest passion is to see America experience a sweeping revival and return to its Godly heritage. Dutch is a messenger of hope for America, encouraging Believers to contend for awakening in our day and reformation in our lifetime.
Dutch has written over 20 books, many of which have been translated into over 30 languages. His international best seller, Intercessory Prayer, has sold nearly 1 million copies worldwide. His book, The Pleasure of His Company, was released January 2014 and his new book The Power of Hope: Let God Renew Your Mind, Heal Your Heart, and Restore Your Dreams was just released. Dutch and his wife Ceci have been married for 35 years and now reside in the Dallas area. They treasure time spent with their two grown daughters, son-in-law and grandson.
To subscribe to The Elijah List go to:http://elijahlist.com/
