Some might wonder how what we say regarding "the Flow" is actually biblical or how it fits into scripture. We would like to share how from several perspectives.
#1 Purpose
The Flow speaks of a direction and therefore purpose. It connects what is happening with what will happen. At the same time, however, if we do not assure the future, it constrains the present. If the outflow is small and narrow, the whole stream will have to slow down to accommodate it.
Our vision largely shapes what happens in the present. When things are going well, we do not sense the pressure. In a sense, we can gauge how we are doing by what we are accomplishing. Let's look at Psalm 67.
Psalm 67:1 and 67:7a both speak of blessing. We all want blessings upon our churches and activities. But verses 2 and 7b both highlight the purpose of this blessing. In other words, there is no reason to have the blessing if there is no outflow. Let's look at this in chart form.
Psalm 67 Chart
Theme: The sought blessing from God
Psalm 67:1-2
1 God be gracious to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us-- [Selah.]
Psalm 67:7a,b
7a) God blesses us
Theme: The purpose of the blessing.
Psalm 67:1-2
2 That Thy way may be known on the earth, Thy salvation among all nations.
Psalm 67:7a,b
7b) That all the ends of the earth may fear Him. [NASB]
7b) God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him. [KJV]
Theme: Grammar: The Hebrew does not have the word 'that' in either case, but the sense is there and therefore translated into English.
Psalm 67:1-2
Psalm 67:2 uses an infinitive "To declare" or "to make known" which carries the same purpose as 'that.' (Gesenius p.424: cf. Num 11:11; Is 10:2).
Psalm 67:7a,b
67:7b uses the 'and' conjunction (see NIV, KJB). There is no direct purpose clause. The cause (7a) and effect (7b) are obvious.
God sends revival, not primarily that His church is revived. He could take us all to heaven for this. God has a greater purpose that goes beyond ourselves. This is so that His salvation might go out to the nations.
Our question is then, how does God cause His Word to go forth to the nations? Is it not intricately linked to how many trained people go forth bringing His Word and prayer to such regions? Sure, it does.
"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17)
