Acts 2:41 | Psalm 51:17 | Isaiah 57:15
Introduction:
The word revival means to restore to life, consciousness, vigor, strength, or restoration to use.
However, biblically, the word revival means a return to God through confession and repentance. The Bible says in Psalm 51:17 that a broken heart and a contrite spirit God will not despise. Revival is rebirth or a re-awakening, an invigorating experience where the Holy Spirit moves freely among believers, setting their hearts on fire for the Lord.
In Exodus 21-22, shalam is translated as “make good”, “shall surely pay”, “make full restitution” or to “restore”. The ancient Hebrew meaning of shalam was “to make something whole”. Not just regarding practical restoration of things that were lost or stolen, but with an overall sense of fulness and completeness in mind, body, and estate. This meaning of wholeness carries over into the word Shalom.
Revival comes from God. And this brings restoration to what was lost. It also brings about reversal and restoration to things like sickness, disease, failure etc. God can reverse, revive, accelerate, and restore the resources opportunities and time that the enemy has stolen. Joel 2:25 | Malachi 3:11.
The concept of revival can be found throughout the Bible, and there are many reasons why revival is needed, according to the Scriptures:
1. To Return to God: Revival is needed when people have strayed from God. 2 Chronicles 7:14. Revival involves turning back to God and seeking Him with all our hearts.
2. To Restore Spiritual Passion: Revival is needed to ignite a new passion for God and His purposes. Revelation 2:4–5. Revival involves repenting of our spiritual dryness and pursuing God with new zeal.
3. To Bring Transformation: Revival might start as a personal renewal but can also transform churches and communities and spread nationwide. In Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, it resulted in the conversion of thousands of people and the birth of the Early Church. Revivals have been a significant part of church history. Revival is needed because it brings us back to God and restores our spiritual passion.
As we are in the month of revival, our prayer is that revival will break out within our hearts and the walls of our homes.
Are you going through any problems? Surrender it to God today. Jesus can and will restore what is withered in your life, in your business, family, marriage or in your faith. Give it all to God. Stretch out your hands and let God make it whole. Luke 6:10.
God promises to do a new thing in Isaiah 43:11. Let Him do it in your life today.
Conclusion:
Revival comes from God and a life of revival starts with you and a deep communion with the Holy Spirit.
Be ready to humble yourself, be consistent with your prayer life, be holy and seek after righteousness at all times. 2 Chronicles 7:14 | 1 Peter 1:14-15.
May God finish what He has started in us, and may He restore all what the enemy has stolen from us in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Discussion:
- In your own words, what is revival? Psalm 51:10 | Joel 2:13 | James 4:7-10 | Psalm 80:3, 7
- What are the advantages and benefits of Revival? 2 Chronicles 7:14 | Jeremiah 33:6
- Revival is only for backsliders. Discuss. Psalm 51:10
- What is the place of the Holy Spirit in revival? Titus 3:5
- Can guilt affect our prayer or praise life? 2 Corinthians 4:16-17
Prayer.
