Over Ten Thousand Participants Join Christian Union to Fast and Pray

Zechariah 8:20-23 (ESV) “Thus says the LORD of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities. The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts; I myself am going.’ Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”

Reflection

Revival theologian Jonathan Edwards identifies Zechariah 8:20-23 as the most descriptive passage on revival in the Bible, centering it in his essay, An Humble Attempt, to promote united prayer for outpourings of the Spirit. America is currently at a crossroads, and more than ever needs to return to God wholeheartedly. Today is the first day of a 14-day fast led by Christian Union, beseeching God to have mercy on the nation and to bring revival.

In the passage, notice the earnestness and zeal of the inhabitants who themselves take action to draw close to God and who urge others to join with them. Those seeking revival who fail to deny themselves in order to seek God have little credibility when recruiting others. Over the years,, I’ve come across ministers who hold out examples of fervent prayer, fasting, and repentance to inspire others to seek God diligently, yet fail to aspire to the standards themselves! How can others genuinely believe that seeking God sacrificially makes a difference when the ambassadors for such a lifestyle don’t believe it as proved by their lack of action?

Self-denial is at the heart of the Christian faith and is an essential part of America returning to God, yet the beauty is that we always get more out than what we put in. The hard-working farmer, the soldier, the athlete all know the value of self-denial and hard work, and the Christian knows the same. By spending much time praying, letting the Spirit bring to mind areas of repentance, fasting, and immersing ourselves in the Scriptures, Christians gain grace from God to be used by Him for His wonderful purposes.

The fruit can be seen in the Zechariah passage. Verse 23 says that ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of the man or woman seeking God wholeheartedly. The Spirit of God enlivens the hearts of others to make them eager to seek out those pursuing God so that they too may know the living God.

For all who denied themselves during the 14-day fast in order to humble themselves, hear God’s voice, and pray fervently, you can be confident that the Lord hears and that the Lord will reward you. He will bless you and stir up those around you with a greater spiritual interest to seek His face. As the Scriptures teach, physical training is of some value, but training in godliness has far greater value because it provides rewards in this life and in the life to come!

Prayer

“Dear Father, You are glorious, beautiful, and wonderful! May your Name be glorified in my life and the life of my family, city, and nation. May You receive the glory that rightly belongs to You. Bring America back to You! Amen.”