II Chronicles 2-9: Revival

     2 Chronicles 7:14   If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

     Second Chronicles Seven, Fourteen is one of the most widely used passages in the Bible when examining the subject of Revival. This verse is God's answer to Solomon's prayer which is recorded in chapter six. As we look at the important subject of revival we see in these two chapters the symptoms of a people in need of revival, the cause of a need of revival, and the provision for the needed revival.

     Solomon describes the symptoms of a people in need of revival in chapter six. It is interesting that spiritual or emotional points are not the designators but physical happenings. Revival is needed when the enemies are triumphing according to 6:24. Revival is needed when there are droughts according to 6:26. Revival may be the need as well when there is pestilence, disease, and the enemy has hindered the people's ability to operate. Natural disaster, potentially disastrous biological crises like Avian and Swine Flu have become common place, and the enemy of our souls is hampering the spread of the Gospel in many ways. It is time for Revival!

     Through the prayer of Solomon, the robber of Spiritual vitality is revealed. In verses twenty-four through the Conclusion of chapter six we are told over and over again that the cause of all of these calamities is sin. Sin is thought of as a subjective matter that no one can accurately ascertain. The Scripture makes it clear that though sin resides in the hearts of humanity the consequences of sin can be seen by all.

     We find the provision for the needed revival in the verse we began with. Second Chronicles 7:14. It is encouraging to note that the consequences of sin can be brought on by the sinful actions of anyone but the provisions for revival lie within the group of God's children alone. God declares it is the actions of His people that will determine if there will be revival. God by His sovereignty elects to use the means of our humble repentance and prayer to bring about revival. It seems almost too simple to believe. There is, however, a complexity that hinders revival. That complexity is that our ways must be examined in light of the Bible to determine if they are wicked. Ignorance of the Scriptures and bondage to the flesh could be the reason we lack revival.

Daily Devotional - Matthew 17:24-18:20  Teachings and Parables