Revival

O. T. #1692  "Revival"
May 18, 2020
Isaiah 57
For thus sayeth the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity,
whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him
 that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the
 humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. 
(verse 15)


LET IT GLOW

Actually, one should read this whole chapter before looking into it deeper.
First of all, how is God described in verse 15?

• the high and lofty One;
• His name is Holy, who dwells in the high and holy place (eternal heaven);

This righteous and holy God allows those who put their trust in Him to inherit His holy mountain, enjoy the joys of heaven with Him.

We find some great lessons for spiritual life:

• Revival (to quicken or restore) comes only to those who are contrite (broken or repentant) and humble before God.(verse 15)
• After all the years of Israel's sin, backsliding, and punishment, God's grace will prevail (43:25)and spiritual healing and restoration will come. This can include us, too.
• They will have fruit of the lips, which refers to praising and thanking God. (Hebrews 13:15)
• The righteous and merciful will enter peace in heaven.

[Resources: MacArthur's Bible Commentary; Liberty Bible Commentary]

Are you in need of revival, dear one? Grace is awaiting.
Let us not neglect our praising and thanking our God for His grace.

LET IT GROW

In contrast, we read about the evil ones in Judah who worship idols and practice as the heathen Babylonians. They are described as:

• sorceress, adulterers, and harlots; (verse 3)
• blatantly ridicule God's messengers; (verse 4)
• practice child sacrifice, as a part of worship to the Ammorite god Molech; (verses 5,6)
• its location is in the mountains, under the trees where idols were placed; (verse 7)
• their King Ahaz did not turn them back to God, but copied the idolatry of Assyria; (verse 9)
• they had no hope, and ultimately their destiny was hell. (verse 9)

Self-righteousness, within the religion of Israel or outside it in pagan ritual cults, shall never enable man to come into the presence of God. (Falwell)

In what are we putting our trust-government, bank accounts, people, ourself?
Or are we putting our trust in our holy God, who is in control of everything?
Are we patiently and faithfully awaiting deliverance from the pandemic?

LET IT GO

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for your grace to revive us from our lukewarm faith.
How wonderful it is for You to be with us each day!
I adore you, love and worship You.
Thank You for loving us, even when we are unlovely.
Please revive Your churches and restor our joy and hopes.