Many times Christians lose the first love of their born-again experience. According to God’s warning in Revelation, this has happened to His last-day Laodicean church. Therefore, the greatest need of God’s people today is revival:
“So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:16, 17).
Likewise, the greatest need of the world today is revival. The world has reached the point of such degraded immorality that it is ripe for God’s judgments. History reveals that every nation that followed this path ended in destruction. Daniel’s prophecy in chapter 2 of his book reveals that all the nations at the end of time will be arrayed against God. That is why God pictured a “stone” striking the prophetic image on its feet:
And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold” (Dan. 2:44, 45).
The events taking place in our world today call for God to intervene:
“It is time for You to act, O Lord, for they have regarded Your law as void” (Ps. 119:126).
Don’t ever doubt it; God will act to bring an end to sin in this world, which will happen when Christ returns. However, before that time there must be a great revival, preparing God’s people for earth’s final events and bringing others from the world into a saving relationship with Christ. This is our greatest need today. Ellen White wrote:
“A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 121).
On the day of Pentecost, a great revival broke out in the church. Joy filled each heart and the good news about Christ spread rapidly, bringing salvation to multitudes of people.
“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they ”
“were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, ‘Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? . . . We hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.’
“Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. . . . So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.
“And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:1-11, 41-47).
Here we see that when revival took place the church was filled with joy. They loved one another and longed to fellowship together every day. They had one purpose in life: to share Jesus with others. As a result thousands joined the church; every day the “Lord added to the church.”
We, like David, need to cry out to God to bring about a great revival in our midst today:
“Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” (Ps. 85:6).
Personal Reflection and Discussion
1. What is the greatest need of the church today? Do you have this same need?
2. Why does the church need to experience revival?
3. What changes occur in the church when revival takes place?
4. What impact does the church have on the community when revival takes place?
Prayer Activity
• Call your prayer partner and discuss this devotional with him/her.
• Pray with your prayer partner:
1. for God to baptize you with His Holy Spirit.
2. for God to revive you and His church.
3. for God to lead many to accept Jesus.
4. for those on your prayer list.”
Excerpt From: Dennis Smith. “40 Days.” iBooks.