Episode 62: The Realities of Revival (A Deep Clean)

Christians love the thought of revival, and the hope of new and exciting things. But typically, revival can’t come unless we undergo a deep clean. When things in our lives and communities are unkept, the stench can become something we get used to. 

In 2 Chronicles 29 we see young King Hezekiah, in the first year of his reign, cleaning out the temple. He is known as one of the leaders of the “Eight Old Testament Revivals.” Through this chapter we see God lay out five “Clean Principles” modeled by the young King who cared more about God’s pleasure than promoting the cultural ways of man. 

Clean Principle #1: (2 Chronicles 29:1-4)

Believer’s must be OPEN to the depth of what God wants to repair. 

• It’s not about YOU, alone. People are staggering from offenses, hurt, personal mistakes, or things done to them. But instead of helping to repair the Lord’s dwelling place, they continue to tear it down. 

• We continue to fight other believers in churches, politics, and communities, instead of warring against the REAL enemy of our souls. The devil hates when people honestly and compassionately come together. If he can get people’s eyes off the Lord and onto one another (or in Hezekiah’s case, onto apathy and blatant sins), then he’s won the battle.

• Real repair work starts internally and moves externally to others. 

Clean Principle #2: (2 Chronicles 29:6-9)

When we turn our backs to the Lord, families go into captivity.

• This was true then and it rings true now. Today, captivity often looks like depression, mental health issues, destructive behavior and addiction, sexual confusion, and obsession with self.

Clean Principle #3: (2 Chronicles 29:10-11)

The Lord has chosen YOU! 

• The truth is, God has chosen you to minister to Him. This may be a new concept to consider, but we can minister to the Lord by: being aware, confidence, humble, and loving.

Clean Principle #4: (2 Chronicles 29:29-30)

Bow down to praise, worship, and sacrifice. 

• What does it mean to sacrifice for the Lord? It may mean monetary reward or giving up your time or attention. It may mean connecting or helping people you feel different from. Instead of fighting it, we should lean into God’s holy cleansing.

Clean Principle #5: (2 Chronicles 29:36)

Obedience accelerates change.

• After cleaning out the temple together, it was surprising how quickly God changed their hearts and circumstances. Our obedience will accelerate the hope we have for breakthrough and revival!

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