What Revival Restores, Part 2

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 30:6

The couriers went throughout all Israel and Judah with the letters from the hand of the king and his princes, even according to the command of the king, saying, "O sons of Israel, return to the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, that He may return to those of you who escaped and are left from the hand of the kings of Assyria.

Insights: The northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah spent just over two hundred years in division.  Related by birth centuries earlier, they were now allowing separation to exist in their relationships.  This portion of history comes to an abrupt halt when Israel is taken into captivity by the Assyrians.  There are a few Jews that still live in the former northern kingdom and it is to them we observe an olive branch of reconciliation being extended.  The third thing king Hezekiah did after the revival began was to restore relationships with his brothers of old.  Some of them accepted the offer and headed south to Jerusalem to worship God.  Others laughed and mocked Hezekiah’s offer and remained in an irreconcilable relationship with Judah.  Mike shared with us that this historical picture of restoration is what is being offered to us as well.  Real revival restores broken relationships with God.  He, God, is standing at our heart’s door knocking and seeking a restored relationship with His children.  Real revival also restores broken relationships with other people.  God calls us to obediently strive for reconciliation.  The two keys God gives us for restoration are the keys of humility and obedience.  We must humble ourselves and risk the rejection and pain.  And we must be in constant prayer for the Lord to change our prideful hearts as we obediently reopen the doors to broken relationships.

Questions:

1. Is there relationship you have that needs to be reconciled?
2. Are you willing to follow the two keys of humility and obedience in order to bring about restoration?

Prayer: Father, it is Your heart desire for Your children to be one as You are One with the Son and Holy Spirit.  May You bring unity to the Body of Christ and may genuine reconciliation occur.  Amen.