This blog REVIVE ME is motivated by the heading “Revival Under Hezekiah” 2 Chronicles 29:3-19 KJV Reference Bible. King Hezekiah was the ruler over Judah and was recognized as the king which did what was “Right” in the sight of the LORD, according to all David his father had done.” The house of the LORD was closed. The LORD was excluded and were seemingly unworthy of the people’s offerings, praise, worship and thanksgiving. We are reminded of COVID’S devastation which shut down our places-buildings of worship for five years. We thankful that most were able to continue reverencing Him through other venues. Meanwhile other churches shut down due to COVID stresses and hardships on the church. Still due to the times we are living in there is a need for righteousness increase connections with the LORD.
Back to Judah. While the House of God known as “The church” to us, was closed down, Judah-the people of God were worshiping idols. Hezekiah found his nation in a crisis. He opened up and repaired the LORD’S house and gathered the priests and Levites. They were told to sanctify themselves and the LORD”S house; to take the filthiness out of the holy place; he reminded the people of their covenant with God and the temple worship was restored. King Hezekiah reigned 29 years, then he died. His son Manasseh became the king and did wicked in the sight of the LORD, Judah followed “His foot-steps. Thus the cycle of wickedness resumed.
A revival in the land is talked about today and is powerful and important. A collective body of babes to those matured in Christ are more committed to doing and getting it “Right as well as pleasing God.” A move away from sin and evil doing. Those habitual or sometimes “Things” we do for fun, entertainment that seemingly or makes us happy are more than unlikely the wrong pathway to Heaven. Yet we serve a God that forgives and is our present help when struggling with sin. Therefore it’s the belief that Revival begins with me. Revival begins with you. How many of us feel and know REVIVE ME O LORD will truly last and stand? Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
A Situation For REVIVE ME-King David was confronted by Nathan, the prophet in a parable for committing adultery with Bathsheba, a married woman and impregnated her. David ordered her husband, Uriah’s death sentence. He was put on the front line in battle. Israel’s soldiers retreated and Uriah was killed. Upon hearing the parable David became very angry and critical in judgment. His responses included “The man who did this must die.” If you got a “Gavel” in your hand bang it on the table. Bam! Nathan the Prophet told David “You are the man” who committed this act and told him much more!
Then David prayed “Create” (build) in me a clean heart.” Some tearing down and/or peeling away was needed for God to “Create or build a clean heart in David. Like many of us. God’s perfect heart is our best example to mirror. His heart is pure (righteous-without sin), loving, compassionate, kind, gentle including more adjectives that reflects His perfect heart. David prayed, “O God” a cry-out of humility-asking God to forgive him for his murderous actions and more.
The way many of us “Kill or crucify” folks is through our tongue. James 3:8 “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. If you or anyone purposefully desire to tame ones’ tongue pray like David “Create in me a clean heart O God.” Nothing is too hard for God. Second Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is all you need, for my power is the greatest when you are weak.”
Then there are strategies available to help us practice saying kinds words to each other. One example: If have negative feelings/talk about someone, turn it into a positive feelings/talk. Negative: “So and so” is always talking bad about others. So I talk about her and she gets on my nerve.” Positive: LORD please help “So and so” to stop talking bad about others and show me how not to participate in the gossip with them and “So and so” won’t get on my nerve. Then I will start saying positive-good things about “So and so.” Question: How have you turned a “Negative into a positive?”
Now the rest of Psalm 51:10 “And renew a right spirit within me. David praying for the LORD to “Renew-Restore” a right spirit in him.” Restore me LORD, to steadfastness, reliability, moral righteousness and divine renewal in You. Then LORD I needed Your “Right Spirit” of wisdom, discernment, courage, guidance, strength and empowerment to lead the Nation of Israel. We can’t imagine all the thoughts that went through David’s head. Especially knowing God declares “Him to be a man after His own heart.” David probably felt he let the LORD down. However he did not succumb to his sin. Instead he prayed asking God for forgiveness and restoration with humility.
It seems we need REVIVE ME O LORD-a personal preparation phase for a more steadfast, immovable and divine Revival in the land. Reiterate, we don’t want to be like the people of Judah. After King Hezekiah died the people went back to their wicked ways. Even though they did not have yet the benefits of Salvation through Jesus/Yeshua-the Savior of the world, they experienced in real-time God’s power, signs, wonders and victories.
Therefore a guide and inspiration for you and I today. We realize when we sin it is impossible to live without the Spirit of the LORD taking up residence in us. Like David we take accountability for our wrongdoing, ask for forgiveness and restoration with hearts of humility. REVIVE ME, O LORD and thanks! Love and continue blessings! Neatbooks4u
