12/14/2023
“The Renaissance Revival”: a prophetic word of exhortation to Millennials - Brian M. Williams
In prayer recently, the Lord begin to show me what I can best describe as a “renaissance revival”. By definition “renaissance” is something that has experienced a “rebirth”. The “renaissance revival” I saw in prayer was a REVOLUTION not an EVOLUTION, and there is a difference. To many, the Church has and should be on a mission to “evolve”, but in our quest to become relevant, we have become increasingly irrelevant and barely recognizable when contrasted with church history and most importantly the Bible. So rather than an evolution, the church needs a “Revolution” and a Renaissance. A revolution is when something returns to its original position and during the period of history known as “The Renaissance” that is exactly what happened. According to scholars and thinkers of the day, the renaissance was primarily a time of the revival of Classical learning and wisdom after a long period of cultural decline and stagnation. During the Renaissance, there was also tremendous human progress made, due largely in part to the cultural return to the way things once were.
Backstory
For years, I have sought God concerning the “ancient paths” referenced in Jeremiah 6:16 which states, “Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ What we find in this text is both a divine strategy to receive mercy in Israel’s hours of compromise, but it is also the sad commentary of their persistent rebellion. In Jeremiah’s day, there was resistance to the renaissance that God was calling for from His people. I believe Jeremiah 6:16 is once again, the word of the Lord to our generation, specifically to millennial’s, those who are currently between the ages of 27-42. Please weigh these words by scripture and only receive that which glorifies Jesus.
The Vision
The next great move of God will not only be a reformation of doctrine (returning to orthodoxy) but it will also be a return to certain traditions in church. Call me crazy, but I see a vision of theologically rich HYMNS (old and new), CHOIRS, even SUNDAY NIGHT CHURCH returning. In some places, many of these things will make a great comeback. The Lord has shown me a vision in prayer of a generation of “millennials” ages 27-42 who are old enough to remember the church before it went completely crazy, filled with false doctrines and a loss of honor. This same demographic also understands the nuance of the world we live in. Millennial’s were raised with cultural sensitivity training and were taught the importance of transparency and authenticity. Millennials are unique, in that they understand and were exposed to the great traditions of the church but are not bound by the legalism found in many settings. The ability to honor yet not be bound by tradition is what has qualified many who are assuming roles of leadership in the days ahead. In the coming renaissance, many Church Traditions that began with purity and understanding will be restored, and we will be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit is doing now! Instead of replacing traditions, we will be teaching them and even creating new ones.
Future Leaders
The future millennial leaders will begin to assume significant leadership responsibilities and even great resources to accomplish the will of God in this generation. The leaders who will now begin to emerge ARE NOT overnight success stories or one hit wonders. These leaders, have been faithful to the assignments of their early 20’s and 30’s in hiddenness. Though they are still considered “young”, they will operate with an uncommon grace, wisdom and composure. This I believe is actually the “Joshua generation” which was prophesied about for many decades. Scholars estimate that Joshua was in his mid 30’s when he and Caleb were sent to spy out the “Promised Land”. Just like Joshua, these emerging millennial leaders, have been faithful to stay close to the God ordained authority figures in their lives as Joshua did with Moses. They have heard the green room conversations, they have witnessed the imperfections of their leaders, and they have seen many of their spiritual heroes and movements get exposed. Despite the heartbreaking betrayals and the theological deconstruction of their closest friends, many emerging millennial leaders have stayed loyal to Jesus, honorable and uncompromising in their lifestyles. Many millennial leaders who are now stepping into purpose, have possibly felt overlooked or even disillusioned, but the Lord says “you passed the test”! Just as Joshua became leader over Israel after years of faithful service, so many of you will begin to step into your God ordained purpose as servant leaders. God has delivered you from finding identity and value in position, titles and notoriety. This satisfaction you have found in simply being a son or daughter is what the Lord desired before He could promote you. In the Kingdom, orphans can’t possess keys of authority! What will ensure the fruitfulness of these emerging leaders must be a radical commitment to humility, a love of mercy and a deep conviction concerning the supremacy of Christ in all things. As superstar Christianity continues to crumble, these new leaders must have the heart of John the Baptist. The “forerunner” message isn’t just “prepare the way the Lord, or even “Behold the Lamb of God, it is also and must include “He must increase, I must decrease”.
Lastly
To the emerging millennial leaders, You are not behind schedule, you have been prepared, you have now passed the test and you are now ready to possess and inhabit the land of promise. Cities, regions and nations are your inheritance! Go forth in the strength of the Lord!
”Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”“ Joshua 1:7-9
