ISAIAH 37:1-14

Since the fall of man, the restoration of man to the lost glorious state has been God’s ardent desire. In His
gracious nature, the restoration plan was designed to bring man into a grander status than he had before
the fall. A position of sonship and kingdom-heir, in which God not only fellowships with man
unhindered, but that the Most High lives within a man, uniting our spirit with His (Ex. 29:45, Ez. 37: 26-
28, Jn. 14:23). The mystery of this plan was finally revealed in and through the death, resurrection, and
ascension of Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 2:7-9). This means God’s plan was not only reconcile us to Himself
through salvation but to also unite us with Himself by indwelling us permanently by His Spirit (Eph. 2:
15-22). A hint of this master plan is revealed in the name the Father designated the Son – Emmanuel –
meaning God with us. The truth of this name is substantiated by the indwelling of the Spirit (Matt.1:23).
The simple summary is that God desires that all men be saved through His Son and that His children be
filled with His Spirit (Luke 11:13). Put another way, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is for all children of
God who have accepted by faith the redemption work accomplished in Christ’s death and resurrection.

In Ezekiel 37, God demonstrates His power to revive from the worst state of existence. God demonstrate
His power in rebuilding an army from very dried bones. However, it was not until the breath of life was
restored that the process was complete. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Revival. Without Him, revivals
can neither be initiated nor executed. He is the power that executes the word (declarations) of the Father.
Historically, revivals are characterized by an outpouring of salvation, baptism of the Spirit, and signs and
wonders that confirm the witness of Christ. All these works are executed through the ministry of the Holy
Spirit. It is no wonder that Jesus Christ instructed the disciples to wait for the outpouring of Holy Spirit.
As it was true then, so it is now. The Holy Spirit is our Guide, Teacher, Intercessor, and Power for
witness. Without Him, our Christian journey, though filled with much effort, yields little fruit. If we want
to experience genuine revival, then we must embrace the ministry of the Holy Spirit. We must, however,
remember that the Holy Spirit is not a tool, He is Lord (2 Cor. 3:17). So, when we embrace Him, we must
also prepare to yield control of our body and our entire life journey unto Him.

Prayer focus: Father, I release my body and life to you as a living sacrifice, please fill me with your
Spirit in Jesus Name. Lord, make my life a permanent dwelling place in Jesus Name.