Some things simply go together: ham and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, eggs and bacon… repentance and revival.
Let’s face it; repentance and revival don’t pop-up in casual conversations at the water cooler.
Yet; they’re as relevant as today’s weather forecast; predicting showers of blessing. Christ, John the Baptist and the apostles extended an urgent invitation to repentance.
Jesus shared a story about repentance and the safe return of lost sheep. “I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance (Luke 15:7 NASB).”
Repenting occurs when we admit we’ve lost our way. Making a U-Turn, a sinner turns around and runs into God’s open arms. What about revival?
Christ followers easily lose fervor and faithfulness. We need to repent too; we need revival.
“Revive me according to Thy lovingkindness, So that I may keep the testimony of Thy mouth (Psalm 119:88 NASB).”
Where did the psalmist go when seeking revival?
“If Thy law had not been my delight, Then I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget Thy precepts, For by them Thou hast revived me (Psalm 119:92-93 NASB).”
The call to repent is heaven sent. The progression is clear. Repentance leads me to revival and rejoicing!
