August 1
2 Chron 30:1-31:21 | PS 15:1-5 | Prov 20:13-15 | Rom 15:1-22
The word, "revival" is bantered around a great deal. We must remember that revival is not an event to ignite enthusiasm, and it is much more than an enthusiastic or emotional response. Revival more accurately is witnessed by repentance in response to the Word of God which results in a widespread change in how God is approached. It cannot be measured by increases in church attendance or larger gatherings at church events. The question remains as to what happens once these events end and the church service is over. Revival results in the transformation of these individuals where they wholeheartedly commit themselves to the Lord. These revived individuals carry God with them at work, at church, at family events. People who are revived can't get enough of God's Word. They can't help themselves from talking about Him with fellow believers and unbelievers alike. Rather than looking for numbers may we remember revival happens one soul at a time. If you truly love God and desire to see revival then let God shine through you and reflect His light wherever you are.
We can learn much from the example of King Hezekiah. His father, King Ahaz, was a terrible king in every regard and I'm sure there were no shortage of items on his to do list. Read the summation of King Hezekiah's launch into public service as we see in 2 Chronicles 31:20-21, "In this way, King Hezekiah handled the distribution throughout all Judah, doing what was pleasing and good in the sight of the Lord his God. In all that he did in the service of the Temple of God and in his efforts to follow God’s laws and commands, Hezekiah sought his God wholeheartedly. As a result, he was very successful." Please don't miss the word, "wholeheartedly". He cared deeply for each person who had decided to seek the Lord, no matter whether they were unprepared, perhaps ignorant to some of the requirements, as we see in 30:18-20, "Most of those who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun had not purified themselves. But King Hezekiah prayed for them, and they were allowed to eat the Passover meal anyway, even though this was contrary to the requirements of the Law. For Hezekiah said, “May the Lord, who is good, pardon those who decide to follow the Lord, the God of their ancestors, even though they are not properly cleansed for the ceremony.” And the Lord listened to Hezekiah’s prayer and healed the people." Hezekiah cared deeply about God and he also cared deeply that the people would come to know and worship God.
On another note, any hint of Anti-Semitism must stop from those who profess to be Christians. We read in Romans 15:8-9, "Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them...". Realize that when it refers to Gentiles, it states He came "also". Christ came for the Jews initially, because God had made so many promises to them. God's promises cannot be eradicated or transferred. God's Word is His Word. It is a dreadful thing to change the intent of God's Word. When God has clearly made promises concerning the Jewish people, God can be trusted to keep these promises as He stated. We should never allegorize portions of Scripture which were written literally. So, for any Christians who even have a slight bit of Anti-Semitism I would strongly urge you to stop spending all of your time in the New Testament and open up the Old Testament. Stop reading commentaries and let God's Word speak for itself. Be influenced by God more than the words of others which might not always accurately reflect God's Word. God has not and never will be done with the Jewish people. If one sides against Israel and the Jewish people realize you are siding against God.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: