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Revival prayers by Ian Milmine [29]

The reign of Solomon was one of great prosperity and national pride. All Israel felt strong, wealthy and secure. So much so that the Bible makes this comment: “During Solomon’s lifetime Judah and Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, lived in safety, every man under his own vine and fig-tree”. Sadly, however, the seeds of division, moral corruption and national weakness were being sown at that very time by Solomon himself. His huge number of wives and concubines, [taken from the nations that God had specifically prohibited the Israelites to inter-marry,] soon introduced their idol worship to Israel, leading the king away in his old age. The people were quick to follow.

Ian Milmine, Revival's General Secretary

At Solomon’s death, the kindom divided. In the North, Jeroboam the king actually led Israel into idol worship, erecting 2 temples and golden calves for the people to worship. The South, weak under Rehoboam, had to put up with the Egyptians coming and ransacking the Temple. How quickly a mighty kingdom had fallen to its knees! Notice, the cause was spiritual! Although an improvement was seen in the Southern kingdom of Judah when Asa became king, in the North, some sixty years after the split, probably the worst king of all, Ahab and his wicked Queen Jezebel, came to power.  [Until then Israel had paid lipservice to the worship of Jehovah, whilst all the time both tolerating then practicing more and more idolatry.]  Under Jezebel, a concerted effort was made to eliminate worship of the true God altogether, a crusade that was carried to the kingdom of Judah by her equally fanatical daughter Athalia, who married king Jehoram.

However, it was during this time of despair, particularly for the 7000 Israelites who had not practised idolatry, that God raised up a mighty prophet – Elijah, who was followed by Elisha. So when God showed His power with fire from heaven, Baal worship suffered a terminal defeat, and this particular idolatry was banished from the land shortly after by king Jehu. Notice how Elijah prepared Elisha, and Elisha prepared a whole school of future servants of God. The present was bleak, but these prophets were looking to the future, [doing what God led them to do.]  Our times here in Britain may be spiritually bleak, idolatry plagues not only the land but has even penetrated the churches. However, we must do what God has commissioned us to do at this time; we must be faithful.

There were 3 times of national revival in the Southern kingdom of Judah, under kings Joash, Hezekiah, and Josiah. In fact Judah was delivered from certain national disaster when King Hezekiah led the nation in prayer and fasting. Not disimilar to king George VI’s leading Britain in national days of prayer during WW2, as a result of which real miracles took place!

Sadly, Israel was carried into captivity, followed by Judah. But this national disaster had to occur for God’s people to turn away from idolatry for good. Never again has idolatry been introduced amongst the Israelites! Sometimes great calamity is the only way for people to turn their backs on sin and idolatry. God’s chastisement can be a way to revival! What will be God’s next step upon Britain? To raise up a prophet like Elijah, or like Wesley, or to allow national disaster to lead us to repentance? Or will the return of Christ find this nation proud, sinful and corrupt? Let those who know their Lord be faithful in prayer and service!

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