How did revival come to a third generation of believers and what can we learn from it?
Jacob’s family had wandered far from God’s ideal, yet God had not given up on them. Family troubles are a common theme, but they are made worse by multiple wives and the competition between them and their children. Revival in this family begins by moving away, even several times, from bad influences and putting away foreign gods among family members (Genesis 35).
Leaving the geographical area is often necessary before a new lifestyle can begin. Is something holding us back? The answer may be a new neighborhood. Beginning a new life is often easier when we leave the old gang behind. Of all the things that hold us back, family and old friends can be toxic. A move can breathe new life into us. New neighborhoods and new places of worship can provide the needed break from old bad habits. Life can begin anew.
Getting rid of pagan idols, some of which Rachel had stolen (Genesis 31:19), was another important step. Rid ourselves of modern idols, like greed, materialism, immoral entertainment, vain traditions, and anything else that gets in the way between us and God. Of all the idols a modern world has invented, which ones rule our lives? Idols don’t have to be made of wood or gold, because even worship of our own intellect is idolatry. Is nationalism idolatry? A Christian who believes that love of neighbor stops at the border, has made their nation an idol. First, we must learn that our neighbor means the whole world (John 3:16). Step one for national healing is not found in human politics, but for people to “humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT)
Jacob’s family revival involved two major decisions. Family relocation was an important step to provide a new environment including a new altar for family worship. Revival for our families may also include these two ingredients, 1) relocation, which may also include attending a new place of worship, and 2) eliminating family idols which clutter our lives and suck time away from worship of the only true God.
Rejoice, lovers of God, you can be revived even in the midst of a messed up family life.
