A Promise of Revival

Updated: Jul 6

2 Chronicles 7:12-16 KJV And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. [13] If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; [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. [15] Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. [16] For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

Isaiah 60:18 KJV Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

True revival has with it a national and societal impact.

When we observe that the nation is becoming worse and there is no sign of a turn around, it is time for the people of God to step into the position that God has assigned for them.

The degradation of society is usually a sign that the people of God are not in the spiritual position they need to be regardless to the various activities they are engaged in.

God establishes a promise to Solomon but also a precedent in His dealing with a nation.

The people He spoke to were not filled with Holy Spirit but were promised national revival on the condition that they are in the place of relationship with Him that they should be.

It begins with a genuine desire for a move of His person, presence and power first in us then to impact the nation.

Psalm 85:5-7 KJVS Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations? [6] Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? [7] Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.

National revival is a result of a burden on the heart of leadership.
National issues are a result of the removal of God’s protection. It’s indicates His sovereign power and His divine prerogative.

The entire text turns on the word “if”. It places two parties in a position of control of particular outcomes.

There are some outcomes that are in God’s sovereign power and there are some that are dependent on our willingness to do.

Revival: His Response

Habakkuk 3:2 KJVS “O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.”

Assurance of His attention. Vs 12.

God always hears the prayers of His faithful ones.

Appointment of a place. Vs 12.

God establishes a place of engagement with His people.

Attentive to the conditions. Vs 13.

God establishes conditions that must catch our attention.

Revival: His Requirements

Isaiah 57:15 KJV For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Attitude of the heart. Vs 14.

The posture of humility is a prerequisite for effective prayer.

Aptitude for his presence. Vs 14.

Prayer activates the manifest presence of God.

Attraction to his person. Vs 14.

God responds to a genuine desire for Him and His attributes.

Aversion to His displeasure. Vs 14.

God desires a people who will dislike what He dislikes.

James 4:8-10 KJVS Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. [9] Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. [10] Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Revival: His Relief

Micah 2:12-13 KJVS “I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men. [13] The breaker is come up before them: they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them, and the LORD on the head of them.”