Revival from Deuteronomy

Written over three thousands years ago (going with conservative dating), Deuteronomy helps us to see the cycle of revival – rebel, rebuke, repent, rescue, and rest (taught in OT classes).

The Lord blesses them, they turn away from Him, He punishes them, they repent of their sins, and He rescues them (or sends someone to rescue them), and then they have rest until they choose to rebel again. This is seen throughout the book of Judges.

Right now, we are in need of rescue!

We have rebelled and we can see God’s rebuke on us. He has removed His hand of favor, and we are struggling. And the challenge can be for us to pray for rescue without realizing that there is a step we need to fulfill first.

First we need to repent.

The word repent means to turn from. Deuteronomy 30:1-3 says this:

Deuteronomy 30:1-3 NIV
[1] When all these blessings and curses I have set before you come on you and you take them to heart wherever the Lord your God disperses you among the nations, [2] and when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, [3] then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you.

We may want to go right to the restore, but we care called to return to Him AND obey Him with all our heart and soul – everything He has commanded.

As we seek revival, we need to make sure that we are doing our part.

Lord, we ask You to open our eyes to the sin and rebellion that is there. But don’t just make us aware of it, may it turn our stomach. And help us to return to You wholeheartedly. Help us to do our part, and we know that You are always faithful to do Your part. And may we rejoice in what You are going to do before You do it!