Revival affects more than spiritual matters.
Impact of Revival
The revival that began under Josiah had profound impact on the spiritual life of the people of Judah. Previously we noted that Josiah removed pagan altars that had stood for 300 years, evidencing the marked change revival was having on their culture.
Also, Josiah instituted a Passover in his 18th year (2 Kings 23.22, 23) unlike any Passover that had been kept since the Judges who judged Israel, a period spanning 500 years and including the reign of King David.
Truly, this revival permeated Judean society. In Jeremiah 22.11-16, the Lord rebukes Josiah’s son, Shallum and contrasts Shallum’s shortcomings as a ruler with Josiah’s faithfulness:
v. 15: Do you think you (Shallum) are a king because you compete in cedar? Did not your father (Josiah) eat and drink and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him.
v. 16: Josiah judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Is this not what it is to know Me?
In the Lord’s rebuke, we see other elements of the revival instituted by Josiah – justice and righteousness and upholding the cause of the poor and needy. Revival does not impact merely the “spiritual” lives of a people, giving them a deeper sense of spiritual realities, bringing new vibrancy to worship and ministries, and the like. True revival impacts all of life, even to the concerns of the last, the least, and the lost.
A people that upholds justice and righteousness, addresses the plight of the poor and needy, and seeks to alleviate their plight, is a people truly gripped with revival. For when we are consumed with the Gospel and grasp who we are before a holy God, we understand how blessed we are with His grace and goodness and we desire to take these message to all aspects of our culture.
Where might we be instruments of God’s grace by bringing the Gospel to our culture?
We can begin, of course, in prayer. If you’re interested in joining one of our monthly Revival Prayer Groups for men, to unite online with other men to seek the Lord for revival, send an email to T. M. at tmmoore@ailb.org. Several opportunities are available. We gather in our online prayer room using a psalm to guide us, and we’d love to have you join.
In the meantime, seek the Lord daily for revival, brothers!
Ralph Lehman, Men’s Prayer Coordinator
T. M. Moore, Principal
Men, let’s call other men to join us in seeking the Lord for revival. Our booklet, If Men Will Pray, provides a 30-day challenge for you and other men to improve your prayers according to the teaching of Paul in 1 Timothy 2.1-8. Order several copies from our bookstore (click here). Then use them to enlist the men you know in this growing movement of Men at Prayer.
Download “Men of the Church: A Solemn Call” for free by clicking this link. Make copies for all the men you know, and urge them to join you in this movement of Men at Prayer. Order your copy of Restore Us! and start your own regular Revival Prayer Group.
Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
