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National Revival Series
Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 1, 2021 (message contributor)
Summary: What does revival from spiritual death to life look like when it comes to a whole region or country?
What does revival from spiritual death to life look like when it comes to a whole region or country?
1) Aramean Revival
Is God concerned that we treat our enemies well and so bring a revival of good relations?
Can God revive even our enemies and thus bring peace? God gave Elisha inside visions of an enemy’s plans so that they were constantly thwarted. Revive enemy plans and the new plans are also frustrated. Our prophet was then surrounded by Arameans who wanted to capture him, but that plot was also stymied, because the enemy was led astray and themselves captured. Enemies might normally be killed, but Elisha suggested feeding them and letting them go, and thus peace was made, “So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory.” (2 Kings 6).
Rejoice, lovers of God, sometimes God brings revival to our enemies, and the result is peace.
2) Samaria's Revival
Do nations sometimes blame prophets and preachers for their troubles instead of repenting?
As the king of Aram besieged Samaria, the city starved and cannibalism spread. Faithful Elisha was made a scapegoat by Israel's King, instead of blaming the people's sins, and his life was threatened. Prophets of old were often hated for their message of repentance. Are faithful preachers of God's word also sometimes mistreated? Persecuted, Elisha prophesied about enough food for all the next day, but that Israel's King would not get to eat. God had miraculously frightened the Arameans off and they scattered leaving possessions and food behind. Often God is working behind the scenes in wondrous ways. Surprised, His people were blessed with different miracles, and Israel's king was trampled by a mob and died. Israel sadly soon forgot again who their real provider was (2 Kings 6-7).
Rejoice, lovers of God, He has an answer for the troubles that besiege us, and in His time, victory is ours.
Revival can certainly come to a whole geographical area and even a whole nation. Will it happen in our nation in our lifetimes? It can.