Revive Us Again!

Definitions•Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines “revive” as “(1) to restore to consciousness or life; (2) to restore from a depressed, inactive, or unused state: bring back; (3) to renew in the mind or memory.” Used since the 15th century, it derives from the Latin “revivere” meaning “to live again.” •The Concise Oxford English Dictionary says this verb means “restore to life, consciousness, or strength.”

O God, Restore Us!

•Sometimes our physical bodies become sick, injured, worn-down, and in need of restoration or reviving. Our spirits may undergo similar needs.•Accordingly, the Psalmist prayed for restoration: “O God, You have rejected us. You have broken us; You have been angry; O, restore us” (Psa. 60:1).

O God, Restore Us!

•This is a recurring theme of the 80th Psalm: “O God, restore us and cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved” (vs. 3, 7 & 19).

O God, Restore Us!• In particular, consider Psalm 85, where the sons of Korah plead, “Restore us, O God of our salvation, and cause Your indignation toward us to cease. Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? Will You not Yourself revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your lovingkindness, O Lord, and grant us Your salvation” (Psa. 85:4-6).

Revive Us Again!•Physical Application• Jacob’s Spirit• Samson’s Strength

•Spiritual Application• Ezra’s Prayer•Hosea’s Prophecy

Jacob’s Spirit•Receiving the false report of Joseph’s death, his father, Jacob, refused to be comforted, saying “Surely I will go down to Sheol in mourning for my son” (Gen. 37:29-36). •Years later, after learning that Joseph yet lived, the spirit of Jacob revived. He said, “It is enough; my son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die” (Gen. 45:24-28).

Samson’s Strength•After slaying 1,000 Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey, Samson was exhausted, nearly to the point of death. •However, God miraculously provided water. When Samson drank, his strength returned and he revived (Judg. 15:9-20).

Ezra’s Prayer•The penitential prayer of Ezra, recorded in Ezra Chapter Nine, was offered after this good and godly scribe learned that Israelites had intermarried with the idolatrous inhabitants of the land (vs. 1-4). •Here we learn that spiritual revival and restoration cannot endure when God’s people are disobedient and rebellious (vs. 5-15, esp. vs. 8-9).

Hosea’s Prophecy•The ancient Israelites hoped against hope that God’s wrath would soon vanish away. •Yet, this appeal was rejected, because it was not based on any real change of heart. Their confession was shallow, insincere, and hypocritical. •God is not deceived by feigned repentance, but desires obedience from the heart (Hos. 6:1-11, esp. vs. 2).

Conclusion•Many seek revival without restoration, yet these concepts are inseparable. • Peter concluded his second temple sermon by saying, “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:17-26, esp. vs. 19). •Do you recognize the need for spiritual revival? Do you long for seasons of refreshing? Recognize the need for genuine repentance, and wholehearted obedience.