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“The God of Revival, the Barren Woman, and the Worshipping Churchâ€Â
By Jeremy | September 23, 2007
Rev. Dr. Jack Hayford
JH is in ministry today because of Jeremiah Lanphier. First learned about him 40 years ago and his story revolutionized JH’s ministry.
“Prayer is the fountain head of evangelism.â€Â
The worshipping life has become a repenting life and lives in the humility that cames from ongoing repentance.
“How old are you grandma?†“71†“Did you start at 1?â€Â
We are celebrating where it all begins.
Isaiah 54:1-6 (?)
Four characteristics of the God of Revival
1. The Almighty Creator, espoused to the church as his bride
2. The Lord of hosts, the commander of the armies of heaven who war in the spirit realm. The armies of heaven surround us.
3. The Redeemer who restores broken people who have been damaged in any way. He’s the recoverer, not just the redeemer. It’s an ongoing dynamic that can redeem any situation and bring full restoration wherever the church functions.
4. The God of the Whole Earth. Ethnically diverse. Endless possibilities
The passage paints a paradoxical picture. On the one hand we see the God of revival, and on the other, the barren woman. It’s improbable that a barren woman would be called to sing (v 1) given the historical context. Verses 1, 4, and 6 describe a culture that was heartless towards barren woman based on misreading of scripture. Bible says that blessed are fruitful wombs. The misreading was that barrenness was evidence of lack of blessing. To this woman, the God of revival invites worship. “Sing.†The singing itself holds inherent in it the power of God.
“Sing, O Barren†is a call to worship … and a call to “enlarge the tent.†Make room for lots of kids. You don’t have the baby yet but start building the nursery. The song sets in motion a grace that will manifest. Hold firm to your position established in grace without regard to how others view you. It’s the promise of multiplication. It continues as a promise to transform desolate cities (v 3).
Magnificent figure with promise of hope: “Now sustain your song.†The fabric of that song in the invisible realm:
As creatures of both the visible and invisible realms, we must not be defined solely by circumstances that are visible. A release happens during worship and may include: healing, reflection, joy, etc. Worship and praise is a means for effective spiritual advance. Laud his name with understanding. The dynamic of the church flows from that point. It’s as unexplainable as Samson’s strength flowing from his hair length. Examples in scripture:
+ Numbers 16 – Deliverance from plague. Worship drew a line past which death could not advance.
+ Joshua 6 – The walls came tumbling down at the shout of triumph.
+ 2 Samuel 24 – Another case of death coming upon the land, which stopped as a result of worship on the ground which became the Temple
+ 2 Chronicles 20 – The Choirs led the army and confounded the adversaries
Ephesians
The glory of his manifold wisdom will be manifested and confound the principalities and powers. Programs and plans don’t initiate revival. They follow it! The initiation point is a praying, worshipping church. Effectiveness multiplies after the worship.
Sing because I am the God of revival. I will break forth. The Creator is your husband and you will bear fruit. So get ready!
Takeaway: I’m the barren woman. He’s my husband. Yet my barrenness doesn’t sway his affection. And as the Almighty Creator, my current barrenness doesn’t define me. His creative redemption restores.
Topics: faith, fulton street revival, jack hayford, revival, worship | No Comments »
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