Isaiah gives us a picture of revival in chapter 32 of his prophecy. He says that God's judgments are the precursors to revival. They are meant to shake us out of our complacency (Isa. 32:9-14; note the similarities between Isaiah 32:1-20 and Isaiah 3:1-4:6). Perhaps the judgments we are seeing are God's answering prayers and intercession for revival and spiritual awakening.
When revival begins, complacency is replaced by
mourning and humility (Isa. 32:11-12; 3:17-4:1). Pride is brought low, as Isaiah describes it poetically as the high parts of the city and the forests (Isa. 32:14, 19; 10:12, 17-19). The people had in complacency had not bothered to consult the Spirit (Isa. 30:1), but humility opens the way for the pouring out of the Holy Spirit (Isa. 32:15). Then He cleanses and transforms (Isa. 4:4; Genesis 2:7; Ezekiel 37:1-14; Acts 2:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:5, 17) everything (Isa. 32:15), bringing the fruits of justice, peace, quietness, and confidence (Isa.32:16-19; Galatians 5:22-23). [1]
This is the picture of revival. When the pride of person gives way to the humility of repentance, and the Holy Spirit is poured out in revival of hearts and minds, cleansing, transforming lives, setting things right and bringing peace with God and reconciliation with others. We need revival in our own lives, in our church, in our community, and in our nation. Oh that the Lord would pour out a spirit of repentance on us so that He may pour out his Holy Spirit upon us in revival.
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