Monday, February 1, 2010
Elements of Revival
(I Samuel 7:5-11)
Having reviewed with Israel the nature of genuine repentance, Samuel watched as significant, necessary changes took place. The Canaanite fertility gods, so long embraced by Israel, were “put away;” and the nation once again returned to the Lord—serving Him exclusively (4).
Upon seeing the initial indications of national revival, Samuel called the people to Mizpeh for a prayer meeting. Notice that revival involved both Samuel’s preaching and his prayers. Preaching alone can not meet the need of the hour. To be effective, preaching must be bathed in prayer—both public and private. And so, Samuel prayed (5).
Israel’s renewed spiritual sensitivity called for a striking public demonstration of inner remorse. In a ceremony of repentance and consecration, the people “drew water, and poured it out before the Lord.” The water was meant to symbolize Israel’s sorrowful repentance (II Sam. 23:16). It was also meant to symbolize national renewal.
In addition to public ceremony, the people fasted. Theirs was not a contrived ritual aimed at gaining the attention of the Deity. Rather, their concern for spiritual matters overshadowed their concern for the physical. Genuine fasting, whether spontaneous or planned, forsakes physical satisfaction because spiritual hunger is far more pressing.
Ultimately, confession (“we have sinned against the Lord”—vs. 3) led to victory. Samuel prayed, “and the Lord heard him” (9). And, once His people were right with Him, the Lord gave them stunning victory over their enemies (10, 11). And He will do the same today!
