Introduction: The next few devotions are going to relate to the subject of REVIVAL- Spiritual awakening. There seems to be a misunderstanding of this phenomenon that is recorded in the Bible. Here’s a further explanation of REVIVAL.

Hosea writes,

“Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. 2After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. 3Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” (Hos 6:1-3)

Several thoughts about this O.T. book. First, from an historical perspective this was written about the nation of Israel – not the Church. However, the biblical principles suggested are certainly applicable to every CHRISTian. Secondly, Hosea was commanded to marry a prostitute – an unfaithful woman named Gomer. The Lord – “Yahweh” was demonstrating to Hosea His unwavering commitment and covenant with Israel. This was in spite of their unfaithfulness. Notice the progression of this appeal from the Lord to His people.

1. His PASSION! (Hos 6:1)

“Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.”

The word “return” is the word שׁוּב, which means to turn back, or to return. God’s PASSION and COMPASSION is for His people to “come back” to Him. His great love and forgiveness was on display as history reveals the northern Kingdom of Israel was chastised in 722 B.C. An invasion took place by the Assyrians that uprooted the Israelites from their home land. But as Hosea was instructed not to “give up” on Gomer after having three children, the Lord was demonstrating the same with the nation of Israel.

Jesus spoke to the Church of Ephesus in the book of Revelation and basically said the same thing – RETURN to your first LOVE. His PASSION for the CHRISTIAN and the Church is on display today with the same message – RETURN and be “HEALED.”

2. His MISSION! (Hos 6:2)

“After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.”

The word “revive” means to live. In other contexts it means to bring back to life. But why? “To raise us up” which means to stand us up. This suggests a falling down. Have you fallen down? Do you need to be picked up? There is a very great need for the ministry of restoration these days. Instead of knocking down other Christians, the believer should be picking them up! This of course does not negate true repentance, which is a prerequisite for revival. Jesus calls for a turn around.
Do you need a turn around? Do you need to pick someone up?

3. His VISION! (Hos 6:3)

“3Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.”

The phrase “if we follow to know the Lord” has to do with pursuing Him. Are you following after Him? Jumping from the text concerning that He will “come unto us,” reveals the New Testament truth that Jesus will come again for His Church.
Are you ready? We need to get ready!