Revival Required

Revival Required

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNt_Oq8GQ0Q

John Whitehead, president and founder of the Rutherford Institute said, “If there isn’t a revival in this country of some sort … we’re moving toward a state that would be very much like pagan Rome.”

There is a principle found in the Bible that basically says that if men and women are left to determine their course of action, then they will go from bad to worse, unless it is reversed by divine grace.

Such a story can be found in the 2 book of Chronicles, chapters 29-32, where the nation of Judah was under the rule of King Hezekiah. Hezekiah came to the throne at one of the darkest hours in Judah’s history.

Now, the reason I have chosen Hezekiah is that we are not far from this right now, as we see our nation and our world in a time of darkness where God is no longer wanted or looked for, and the world is shutting the doors to the worship of God.

Now the story of Hezekiah and the revival that happened at that time began with his dad, Ahaz, of whom it says, “He reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem; and he did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord, as his father David had done. For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made molded images for the Baals. He burned incense in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and burned his children in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel. (2 Chronicles 28:1-3 NKJV)

And it only got worse from there. He became more and more unfaithful. He removed the bronze altar of sacrifice and replaced it with an altar modeled after the pagan altar in Damascus. He also set up pagan altars throughout Jerusalem as well as throughout Judah. Eventually, he closed the doors of the temple forbidding all offerings and sacrifices.

In fact, he was so bad that he wasn’t even buried in the royal tombs.

But then came his son, Hezekiah, and a whole new chapter in the nation’s history began. And it didn’t take long. It says that on the first day of the first month of his reign, Hezekiah ordered the temple doors unlocked and for repairs to begin.

Something had to be done, and it had to be done now. It began with getting the temple cleansed so that the worship of God could begin.

He said to the priests and Levites, “For our fathers have trespassed and done evil in the eyes of the Lord our God; they have forsaken Him, have turned their faces away from the dwelling place of the Lord, and turned their backs on Him … Therefore the wrath of the Lord fell upon Judah and Jerusalem, and He has given them up to trouble, to desolation, and to jeering, as you see with your eyes.” (2 Chronicles 29:6-8 NKJV)

But look at his solution. “Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that His fierce wrath may turn away from us.” (2 Chronicles 29:10 NKJV)

And this needs to be our heart and prayer as well.

And then he challenged the priests and Levites to stop being negligent in their duties, and to follow God’s word and cleanse the temple and start to worship the Lord (verse 11, 15). And it says that once the offerings were made the people rejoiced.

And so, Hezekiah sent out letters throughout Israel for the people to come and keep the Passover saying not to be stubborn about this, but that if they return to the Lord, the Lord will turn away from His wrath.

Now, some laughed, and mocked his request, but there were those whose hearts were willing, seeking the Lord in repentance, and revival began to break out. And there has never been a Passover like that, in fact, they held the Passover for another seven days. And afterwards, the people went throughout Judah destroying the pagan altars set up by Ahaz.

And when he called for the people to bring in the tithe and the firstfruit of the harvest, the people did just that and there was so much that new rooms had to be dedicated to hold it.

This brings out a very good point, and that is, when revival takes place in the hearts of God’s people, and when God’s people are living in the midst of revival, then God’s cause will be fully supported.

You see, it is God’s nature to bless, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon a person, group, church, or in an area is one of Gods greatest ways to bless.