Don Graham Revival Ministries

"The 'When' of Revival"

Exodus 40:1-38

Text: Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle...

The when of revival is wrapped up in the little word then. It is a revival thread weaving itself throughout Scripture. When God gave us His prescription for revival He said, // my people, who are called by My name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, 'then' will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (II Chronicles 7:14) Then the fire of the Lord fell was the experience of the great revival at Mt. Carmel. (II Kings 18:38) When can we expect revival to fall? Likewise in our text the glory of the Lord fell. If I may ask again, ...Then, When?

The Glory of the Lord Fell upon the Tabernacle Following...

I. Completion (vs. 1-8)

Preceding chapters in Exodus are consumed with instructions of how to build the sanctuary. Explicit details are given for every aspect of the building and its furnishings. Nothing is left to man's ingenuity. Now with the project finished Moses set up the tabernacle (v.2, cf. v. 4,8). This, too, was left to no one's imagination, but rather clear instructions were given. When Moses had successfully completed the task and the tabernacle was completed, then the glory of God filled the place. All the furnishings were completed together with the priest's garments; but Moses waited for the Lord to tell him what to do next. Wise is the leader who gets his instructions from God! When the orders came to set up the tabernacle Moses completed that task paving the way for the invasion of the glory of God. God's glory can only fall when the assignments He has given are fully completed!

II. Consecration (vs. 9-11)

Now that all is set in order Moses set out with the holy oil and anointed everything in the tabernacle, consecrating, setting it all apart for the glory of God. Is there a fragrance about our lives that makes people think about heaven? God's glory can only fall upon that which is given wholly to Him!

III. Cleansing (vs. 12-16)

Aaron and his sons were washed with water ere they were anointed with holy oil setting them aside and cleansing them for the work of the priesthood. So we, too, must be cleansed. The Word of God cleanses us. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy Word. As the Word is studied and obeyed sin is exposed leading to conviction, brokenness and repentance. Then the Blood of Christ is newly appropriated and the cleansing process goes on and on. God's glory can only fall when the blood and the Word have cleansed wholly!

IV. Compliance (vs. 17-38)

Moses utterly complied with the Word of God. Thus did Moses: according to all that the Lord commanded him, so did he (v.16). That verse introduces a refrain running to the end of the chapter, ...as the Lord commanded Moses (v.19, 21, 24, 25, 29, 32). Speaking of her Son, Mary said, Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it (John 2:5). Moses heard and heeded, to the last detail, whatever God said, he did it. Such is ever the prerequisite to the fire falling. God's glory can only fall when there is explicit obedience to the will and Word of God!