The Way to Spiritual Revival

 

Hezekiah was a good king in the history of the Jewish nation. He followed everything that David had done previously. There was no other like him among all the other kings. In the Bible is a lengthy record of how he led the people back to God and how God listened to his prayers that brought about the spiritual revival of the Jewish nation. Revival of spirituality and people seeking to return to God are closely inter-related. We can see the way to spiritual revival in chapters 29 – 31 of 2 Chronicles. There are the following important understandings –

 

1.      The server must first consecrate himself and fight against his sins - Hezekiah determined to reopen the Holy Temple for worship. He first gathered the priests and Levites and asked them to consecrate themselves and jointly purify the temple of God (29:5, 15-19). It took 16 days before they were able to completely sanctify the temple, because the previous ruler Ahaz had grievously sinned and desecrated it. Their process of removing all idols began in the Holy Temple, then to Jerusalem (30:14), and finally to the whole country (31:1). If the church is to revive spiritually, the server must first consecrate himself, separate from the world, and earnestly fight against his sins, for revival begins with the repentance of, admission of, and turning away from sin (Proverbs 8:13).

 

2        Turn back under the discipline of God - Hezekiah pointed out that the Israelites experienced great suffering (The Jews lost 180,000 soldiers in one day, and 200,000 citizens were captured), were scattered among the nations, were scorned and humiliated, and were killed and captured because their forefathers sinned, turned their backs on their covenant with God and desecrated the Holy Temple (29:6-9). Hezekiah also wrote to Judah and the tribes of Israel explaining the reason for God’s discipline, and admonishing them not to follow the behaviour of their forefathers, but to return to the Lord. Then God would have compassion and return to them (30:6-9). The children of God should have sharp sensitivity towards the things that happen to them. If they fall under the discipline of the Lord, they should carefully reflect on it, be cognizant and turn back quickly to God.

 

 

3.  Recognize the effectiveness of the blood of atonement - After the Holy Temple was purified and before any sacrifice and worship, Hezekiah followed the requirements of the law and presented a sin offering for his country, the temple, and the people. He sprinkled the blood of bulls, rams, male lambs and male goats onto the altar, followed by burnt offers and peace offerings (29:20-24, 35). Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Sinners are declared righteous and saved from the wrath of God through the blood of His Son. In order to achieve spiritual revival, believers must recognize the effectiveness of the precious blood of the lamb of God. “When Christ came … He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:11-12)

 

4.      Transgressions do not transcend Grace - Because the cleansing of the temple went past the 14th day of the first month, and there were insufficient consecrated priests, and those who had traveled from far away did not have enough time to consecrate themselves in accordance with the purification rules of the sanctuary, so they did not celebrate the Feast of Passover that was supposed to occur on the 14th day of the first month until the 14th day of the second month. This was as instructed by God (Numbers 9:9-11). Hezekiah prayed for those who fell short of the purification rules but had set their hearts on seeking God. The Lord heard his prayers and forgave these people (30:20). If spiritually defeated and weak believers will return to God, they will discover that He is the Lord who heals and binds up wounds (Hosea 6:1-3), for He is a gracious and compassionate Lord.  

 

Dear brothers and sisters, we do not have to wait until summer camp for our spirits to be revived. Whenever we turn back from following our own way, repent and leave our sins, and steadfastly rely on and follow God, He will bestow grace and compassion on us. God has said to His chosen people, “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.” (Jeremiah 3:22)

 

 

By: Daniel To