How fantastic have been God’s revivals!
How thankful and happy were Adam and Eve when God lovingly searched them out and showed them undeserved grace in the Garden of Eden.
Despite their sin, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their sons and daughters enjoyed numerous special visitations from the Lord. Like sheep they wandered, and like a good shepherd the Lord rescued them and brought them safely home.
God saw the misery of Israel, and he used Moses and Aaron to save Israel from their bondage, idolatry, and folly. And this was not a one-time event; throughout Israel’s history, over and over again, God used prophets, priests, kings, judges, and governors to convict, entice, reform, and grace his people.
God even showed special love and favor to those not of the Chosen Nation. This was surprising to some, but it should not have been. God had promised he would bless the nations, and powerfully he kept his word. Several foreign revivals are recorded — most remarkably being those of Assyria and Babylon.
Then Jesus Christ came; he was filled with the Spirit without measure, and great were the revivals he brought about. Through his ministry, both on earth and in heaven, self-righteous theologians, demon-possessed hellions, thieving tax collectors, murderous antichrists, and idolatrous pagans were regenerated, justified, sanctified, and set forth worshiping. Yes, God kept his word and poured out revival fire throughout Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the world.
Throughout history, the revival fire of God has continued. Continents, countries, cultures, denominations, churches, families, and individuals have been targeted, attacked, loved, graced, and specially affected by God’s fresh wind and fresh fire.
Yes, how sweet have been God’s reclamations, reformations, renewals, renovations, or revivals.
Therefore, with my own soul, family, and church in mind, I am impressed to pray:
Lord, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. Selah You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger. Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us! Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky. Yes, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way. (Psalm 85)
Unfathomable Grace 