It is a lovely morning, and I'm glad it is Wednesday! I always look forward to the mid-week service at our church! It is such a sweet privilege and blessing to be part of "The Family of God"! This morning, as I think about the perilous times in our nation,I want to share a few thoughts that I read in a daily devotional a couple of months ago, entitled "Eight Revivals".
In Psalm 85:6, we read -- "Wilt Thou not revive us again: that Thy people may rejoice in Thee"? The number 8 seems to be associated in the Bible with a new beginning, new life, resurrection, or renewal. The Lord Jesus, Himself, was resurrected, never to die again, on the 8th day---that is, the first day---of the week. It is significant, therefore, that 8 great spiritual revivals are described in the Old Testament -- one each under Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Asa, Hezekiah, Josiah, Ezra, and Nehemiah. It is even more significant, however, that each revival was centered around the Word of God. The first was based on the giving of the law at Sinai --
"And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient". (Exodus 24:7) Analysis of all of the other revivals will reveal that they also were based on reception and acceptance of God's Word. The last was under Nehemiah -- "And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the Lord their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshiped the Lord their God."
There were other ingredients in these revivals, but the Word of God was always the foundation, and there can be no true and lasting revival without it. This is why it is so important in our day, when the need for a mighty, Holy Ghost, heaven sent revival is so desperate, that we first get back to a serious study of the Holy Scriptures, believing and obeying all that is written therein.
Are you "Standing on the Word" this morning? "Sure is my foundation, for I stand today on the living Word that faileth never. Earth with all its glory soon must pass away, but the Word of God shall stand forever."