“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.” Amos 8:11
Our concepts of spiritual revival usually revolve around the manifestations of such movements of the Spirit. There is great merit in doing this, but it may be at the cost of neglecting the actual cause of revival, or the essence of it. In the history of Israel, when Samuel was a child, and Eli was the high priest, Scripture tells us that, “…the word of the Lord was precious (or rare) in those days: ther was no open vision (…or revelation of God).” (1 Samuel 3:3) There would come a day, as a result, when the “lamp of God” would go out in the temple, the Ark of the Covenant would be stolen, and the people of Israel overrun by their enemies. In other words, the spiritual condition of the people was at a very low ebb, even characterized by one of the daughters in law of Eli when she said, “…the glory is departed from Israel.” (4:21) There is certainly not a period of revival. However, there is a small testimony of hope that is born, then nurtured, to the point that “…the Lord again appeared in Shiloh: for the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.” (v.21) In other words, a seed of revival was planted by God in this period of decline and desolation, even hopelessness. The essence of that seed was God speaking, “the word of the Lord,” coming to Samuel, the prophet. The more God spoke, the more His life and power were revealed, manifested. Also, the greater the effect that God would show forth upon the people of Israel who also heard the word of God, as pronounced first of all to Samuel, and the by him.
Again, the opposite of revival is, as Amos put it, a period of famine, not for bread and water, but for “the word of the Lord.” If God does not speak, there is no life and power. The One who speaks life into the dead, and heals the sick and the blind, is that One who also communicates His blessing through His word. If men would know the reviving power of God, then the first thing is that God must speak. And for Him to speak, prayer must be made. The extent of the blessing in revival is determined by how much He speaks, and the power with which He speaks. What would occur if as a result of much prayer by many of God’s people, specifically praying that God would speak much, and in power? All great preachers were not such just because they were called, anointed, and gifted. There was much prayer behind them. Why? So that God would speak in answer to prayer and faith. This is why revival is born out of prayer and intercession.
The essence of revival is seen by God’s promise through Joel concerning the outpouring of the Spirit. In Joel, chapter 2, the Lord speaks of doing “great things.” He promises restoration, abundance of blessing, put primarily a working in the hearts of men and women by which they will declare the glory of God, “prophesying,” or declaring by word and deed, that which is true of Christ by the Spirit. He speaks of giving the former rain, and the latter rain, in the same month. Why? It has to do with His commitment to bless, and reveal His power and life, in great measure. Practically speaking, how will He do this?
In Isaiah 55, we read in this a second passage concerning the thirsting heart, and God’s response to it, that He will meet the need of the heart by speaking. His promise is as sure as the result of rain on the earth. “So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto me void.” (v.11) Certainly, revival comes when God speaks.
Dear Father, Speak life and power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.