image courtesy of ministry127.com
True revival comes from a renewed focus of God’s people upon understanding and applying His Word.
There are times when our spiritual walk is dry. Sometimes we neglect our walk with God and because of that haven’t heard from Him through His Word in quite a while.
One morning, a couple years ago, while I was reading the Word, I was in this state. That morning, God began a work of revival in my heart.
I was convicted about my own laziness in reading and studying the Word, and therefore took time to simply reading where I had left off last. The place in the Bible where God spoke to me may surprise you.
It was in Leviticus 4. If you and I were honest, we would say Leviticus is a tough book to digest. It is easy to get discouraged about Bible reading when you come to this book, many times because of a lack of understanding of some of the words. Because of this, I used my computer Bible study software to look up some of the unfamiliar words.
Leviticus 4 is about the sin offering. Verses 1-3 say:
¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them: 3 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.
As I studied this passage, looking up some of the words, the meaning and impact began to flood my soul. The offender was to bring an ox to the temple, and, at the door, he was to place his hand on the head of the animal and kill it himself.
This act pictured the man’s sin being transferred to the animal. The killing of the animal was a substitution for punishment. As the offender placed his hand on the animal and killed it, he was owning his sin and obeying God in sacrificing this lamb for his sin.
As I studied this passage, I was reminded of Jesus death for me on the cross. How amazing it is that He took upon Himself my sin! How humbling it is that He died to pay for my sin!
As I read it, God revived in me my appreciation for Christ’s death.
What helps you keep a fresh look at the cross?
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Thanks for this post, Mark. So crucial to keep a fresh view of the cross. I sometimes draw a sketch of me, the cross, and a list of the sins I am confessing. Then, with 2 Cor. 5.21 as my pattern I pray over each one, realizing that thwy have been transferred to Christ’s account and His righteousness to my account. Keep up the encouraging words!
Thanks for these thoughts, Jonathan. That sounds like a helpful way of visualizing how Jesus payment for my sins applies to me specifically.
It’s so liberating to the soul to know that each sin is forgiven through the cross!
Thanks Mark!
Three T’s come to mind as I read this post: Thoughtful, Transparent, & Timely. God used it in my life.
Glad to hear it, Brian. Thanks letting me know.