The following story for this hymn study is provided from hymncharts.com:
“The story of William MacKay and ‘Revive Us Again’ is more
than just a piece of hymnological history; it is a narrative of redemption, a
demonstration of the transformative power of God’s Word, and a call to revival
that transcends time and circumstance.
“Born in 1839, William Paton MacKay was raised in a
spiritual environment by his devoutly Christian mother. Despite this
foundation, his transition to the University of Edinburgh to study medicine at
the age of seventeen marked the beginning of a departure from the principles he
was raised on. The pressures and temptations of academic life may have led him
down a path of heavy drinking and moral decline, to the point where he even
pawned the very Bible his mother had given him as a keepsake and spiritual guide.
“MacKay’s professional life as a doctor brought him
face-to-face with human suffering and the stark differences between those who
had faith in Jesus Christ and those who did not. Despite recognizing these
differences, MacKay continued on a path that he feared would lead him to become
a ‘thorough infidel.’ However, the course of his life was irrevocably altered
by an encounter with a young mason’s helper who was brought into the emergency
room with life-threatening injuries. Here is his testimony in his own words:
“My dear mother… had been a godly, pious woman, quite often
telling me of the Savior, and many times I had been a witness to her wrestling
in prayer for my soul’s salvation. But nothing had made a deep impression on
me. The older I grew the more wicked I became….
“One day a seriously injured (laborer)… was brought into the
hospital. The case was hopeless…. He seemed to realize his condition, for he
was fully conscious, and asked me how long he would last…. I gave him my
opinion in as cautious a manner as I could….
“’Have you any relatives whom we could notify?’ I continued.
The patient shook his head…. His only wish was to see his landlady, because he
owed her a small sum, and also wished to bid her farewell. He also requested
his landlady send him, ‘The Book.’
“I went to see him on my regular visits at least once a day.
What struck me most was the quiet, almost happy expression constantly on his
face…. After the man died, some things about the deceased’s affairs were to be
attended to in my presence.
“’What shall we do with this?’ asked the nurse, holding up a
book in her hand. ‘What kind of book is it?’ I asked. ‘The Bible of the poor
man…. As long as he was able to read it, he did so, and when he was unable to
do so anymore, he kept it under his bed cover.’
“I took the Bible and—could I trust my eyes? It was my own
Bible! The Bible which my mother had given me when I left my parents’ home, and
which later, when short of money, I sold for a small amount. My name was still
in it, written in my mother’s hand….
“With a deep sense of shame I looked upon… the precious
Book. It had given comfort and refreshing to the unfortunate man in his last
hours. It had been a guide to him into eternal life, so that he had been
enabled to die in peace and happiness. And this Book, the last gift of my
mother, I had actually sold for a ridiculous price….
“Be it sufficient to say that the regained possession of my
Bible was the cause of my conversion.”
During the 1860s there were a lot of hymns that came out of
Scotland that continue to bless us to this day and the present hymn is one of
those that was composed during that time.
This period followed what has come to be known as the “Third
Great Awakening.” This was in reference to the great revival that occurred in
Scotland in 1959 – 1860 following the ministry of evangelists Charles Grandson
Finney and Edward Payson Hammond.
This hymn was one of the favorites of Ira D. Sankey who led
the music during Dwight L. Moody evangelistic meetings in the 1870s.
It was also a favorite of the Billy Graham evangelistic
crusades led by Cliff Barrows. During the crusades, when it came to the refrain,
one side of the audience would sing “hallelujah” and the other side would sing “Thine
the glory,” and so forth until you reach the final phrase “Revive us again”
which was sung in unison.
Scripturesavvy.com: The instruction to “praise the Lord” is powerful. Praise is a form of worship and is vital for spiritual health. When we praise God, we shift our focus away from our worries and problems to the majesty and sovereignty of God. This act of worship is deeply transformative. It helps us remember that no matter the struggles we face, God is in control and worthy of our adoration.
Enduringword.com: Paul called for a blessing upon the Father (in the sense of recognizing His glory and honor and goodness), because the Father has already blessed the believer with every spiritual blessing.
Scripturesavvy.com: John 1:5 provides a profound statement
about the nature of light and darkness. The phrase “The light shines in the
darkness” symbolizes Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world, illuminating
the path to salvation, truth, and righteousness. Darkness often represents sin,
ignorance, and despair. This contrast delineates the battle between good and
evil, highlighting Jesus’ role in overcoming spiritual darkness. The assertion
that “the darkness has not overcome it” reassures us of the ultimate victory of
light over darkness, comfort yielding hope and encouragement . . . When Jesus
declares Himself as “the light of the world” (John 8:12), He asserts His role
in dispelling the darkness of sin and bringing people into the light of truth
and salvation. When we accept this light into our lives, we experience renewal
and transformation. In Him, we find our purpose and direction.
Godsbless.ing: This verse encapsulates the core message of Christianity – the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. It speaks of Jesus willingly taking on the burden of our sins and offering Himself on the cross to bring healing and redemption to humanity. Through His ultimate act of love and sacrifice, Jesus bore the weight of our wrongdoing, leading us to a path of repentance and righteousness. The mention of being healed by His wounds symbolizes the spiritual healing and restoration that believers receive through Christ’s suffering and resurrection.
Enduringword.com: “Only the Lord can ‘revive’ the people by forgiveness of their sins, by renewal of the covenant, and by driving out the enemies. This is not merely a prayer for deliverance from the enemy but an urgent petition for the blessings of God.” (VanGemeren)
Scripturesavvy.com: Revival implies a renewal and rekindling
of what once was vibrant and alive in our faith. It reflects the idea that
while we may stray, God’s grace and mercy are always present, inviting us back
into a loving relationship. It reminds us that we are never too far from God’s
reach; He desires for us to come home.
Blueletterbible.org: This is a simple and wonderful prayer for revival. It recognizes that revival is not man-made but given by God. Yet it also recognizes that one may and should pray for revival, and pray with godly expectation . . . This prayer for revival “…implies that the people were alive once, have died in a spiritual sense, and now need to be given spiritual life again. This is what the church almost always needs, and it is how revivals come.” (Boice)
Scripturesavvy.com: The verse presents a sincere request from the people, expressing their desire to be rejuvenated by God’s presence. This is a profound cry, revealing the deep yearning within us for a renewed strength in our faith and spiritual vitality. The desire to rejoice in God highlights the connection between revival and joy. When we feel spiritually alive and close to God, our joy increases. It is not merely a request for physical blessings or prosperity, but a longing for a deep, transformative experience with the divine.
At its core, “Revive Us Again” is a testament to the enduring need for personal and communal revival in the Christian life. Based on Habakkuk 3:2, the hymn marries awe at the Lord’s mighty deeds with a heartfelt plea for spiritual renewal. MacKay’s hymn remains a poignant reminder of the power of faith and the continual need for God’s grace in our lives.
