Vision Of Revival

 “Thus saith the Lord of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the Lord of hosts.” - Zechariah 8:6

           What is marvelous in your eyes?  What is extraordinary to you?  What fills you with wonder?  Is it great wealth?  Stupendous talent?  The newest trend, latest fashion or coolest gadget?  Or do you want to see a sinner forsake his sin, and fall in love with God?  Do you want to see the Holy Ghost grip you and those around you, turning them back to holiness?  Do you have a vision of revival?  Can you see it happening? 

In the eighth chapter of Zechariah the Word of the Lord is given to the prophet Zechariah.  Meanwhile, Ezra the scribe is back in Jerusalem rebuilding the temple (the Lord’s house that lies in waste).  It is at this time that Zechariah prophesies to the people and tells them that God is jealous over Jerusalem.  He tells him I will dwell in Jerusalem.  He tells him that the streets of the city will be filled with children at play.  That the aged men and women will be joyful to see the redemption of their beloved city.  Then the Word of the Lord says, “if it be marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvelous in mine eyes?”  Imagine Jerusalem in desolation, imagine the temple in ruin; imagine God’s people removed from their homes with only a few remaining.  How much faith would it take to believe that God would restore all this?  That men, women, and children would be together in the streets: safe, secure, and joyous?  God says if it be marvelous in your eyes, it will be marvelous in mine.  God says, if this scene is marvelous to you; it will be to me.  This is the message from God, to God’s people.  When you look out at our land and country today, if holiness people think themselves just a remnant living in a desolate decaying Jerusalem, we will never see revival.  Worse still, if we love the world around us more than the ways of God, what hope is there that revival will come?  Is there anything too hard for the Lord?  Jesus told of a parable of the unjust judge who ignored a widow woman that was wronged; however tthe Word tells us that by her “continually coming” she persuaded Him.  If the unjust judge would do right, how much more would the Judge of all the Earth? How much more would God in heaven if we humble ourselves, seek His face, and believe in the power of God? 

Yes, there is a cross for each of us to bear, and when we get to the place where we want to bear it, we love to bear it, and desire God’s direction over everything else;  I just believe God will honor that.  When we crave the burden of revival in our own lives and we are willing to sacrifice to see it; making the vision of revival wonderful in our eyes.  We will see it; or at least have a hope to.  Revival starts within, not without.  As in the days of Josiah the King, we must look to our own house and ask God to clean out the rubbish.  Clear out the “shelf behind the door.”  Read His Word, commit to prayer, and be honest with God.  When he answers by fire in our heart, it will make revival marvelous in our eyes, and in His; and by God’s grace he will make it known to the world.