A Way To Revival

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: God revived me when I went to work in the Middle East. Till then I was just a lukewarm and laidback Christian. I saw the great need for the Gospel of Christ to be proclaimed to the so many lost souls there. They had no idea that they were perishing and there was only one way out – Jesus. Someone had to give them the word. In complete reluctance, I said I am here, I will go. Are you Revived?

INTRODUCTION: Today, we delve into the heart of an ancient but ever-relevant story found in Jonah 3:1-10, where we observe a seismic shift in the spiritual landscape of Nineveh, prompted by Jonah's prophetic warning. This is a story of one man’s reluctant obedience that changed the destiny of one nation. This narrative depicts how a rebellious nation is transformed by the shortest undiluted message ever spoken by a runaway prophet.

Imagine a city so entrenched in its ways that the very notion of change seems radical, if not impossible. Yet, through the obedience of Jonah, a reluctant prophet, and the subsequent repentance of the Ninevites, we witness one of the most powerful revivals in biblical history. This account isn't just a testament to Nineveh's transformation but serves as a compelling invitation for us to reconsider what revival means in our lives today. Revival is not something we can manufacture; it is a divine move of God that begins in the hearts of His people.

As we venture into this narrative, let's open our hearts to the possibility of renewal and change, not only as individuals but as a community. What can we learn from Jonah's mission and Nineveh's response? How can their story inspire a deeper, more genuine pursuit of spiritual revival in our own contexts?

WHAT IS THE WAY TO REVIVAL?

1. REVIVAL REQUIRES OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S CALL (Jonah 3:1-4)

"Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.’ Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh." (Jonah 3:1-3a)

Revival begins with God calling His people. Jonah’s mission to Nineveh was not his own idea; it was a divine mandate. True revival starts when God’s people stop running away, as Jonah did initially, and begin to walk in obedience to His Word.

• THE PRIORITY OF GOD’S WORD: God gave Jonah a specific message to proclaim. Revival is rooted in the power of God's Word, not human ideas or methods. Jonah did not preach what was popular—he preached what God had given him.

• THE IMPORTANCE OF OBEDIENCE: Jonah obeyed "the second time" after his failure and repentance. This shows us that God can still use us despite our past rebellion or mistakes. Personal obedience is the spark that ignites revival.

• THE CALL TO GO: True revival begins with a willingness to GO where God sends. Jonah was called to Nineveh, a city infamous for its wickedness, and yet he went. God often calls His people to move toward the areas of greatest spiritual need. Are you willing to obey His call?

If we want revival, it will require us to humbly and wholeheartedly obey God's leading, even when it's uncomfortable or costly.

2. REVIVAL DEMANDS HUMBLE REPENTANCE (Jonah 3:5-9)

"The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth." (Jonah 3:5)

When the people of Nineveh heard God’s message, they responded in extraordinary humility. True revival always involves acknowledgment of sin, repentance, and a turning back to God.

• FAITH IN GOD’S MESSAGE: The Ninevites believed God’s Word, not Jonah’s personality. Revival happens when people are convicted by the truth of Scripture.

• CORPORATE RESPONSE: The entire city—from the king to the commoners—turned to God in repentance. This unity of purpose demonstrates how revival can permeate every level of society.

• SIGNS OF REPENTANCE: The people fasted, put on sackcloth, and cried out to God in earnest repentance. True repentance is always accompanied by visible evidence of change.

• LEADERSHIP IN REPENTANCE: The king of Nineveh led by example, humbling himself before God. Spiritual revival often begins when leaders—whether in families, churches, or communities—take the lead in repentance and prayer.

Are we willing to humble ourselves, confess our sins, and turn away from unrighteousness? Revival begins with repentance, both individually and collectively.

3. REVIVAL BRINGS MERCY AND GRACE (Jonah 3:10)

"When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened."

The final step in the way to revival is experiencing the mercy and grace of God.

• GOD SEES TRUE REPENTANCE: The key to this verse is that God "saw" the Ninevites' actions. Their repentance was genuine, and it moved God’s heart. Revival always brings life-changing transformation that is evident to both God and others.