Don Graham Revival Ministries

"IF my people...will...TURN..." Part IV

II Chronicles 32

In our three previous studies in The Yoke we have traced the centrality of the necessity of God's people to turn to Him for revival in their land, turning away from their sin. Throughout the narrative as the people turn to God, God’s response is the blessing of revival. Thus far we have observed:

I. The Purging of the House of God (II Chronicles 29:1-19)
II. The Purification of the Worship of God (II Chronicles 29:30-36)
III. The Pre-eminence of the Passover of God (II Chronicles 30)
IV. The Prompt Obedience to the Word of God (II Chronicles 31)

As we conclude this study note the immediate result of revival (II Chronicles 32):

V. THE PREVAILING VICTORY OVER THE ENEMIES OF GOD (II CHRONICLES 32:1-23)

Immediately upon the people "turning to God", the enemy assaults. "After these things..." (v. 1), what things? The House of God purged, its worship purified, the Passover elevated to its primary role, and the people promptly obeying God. "After these things" the enemy launched a frontal attack. It should never come as a surprise that a revived people will be attacked. Satan fears revival and will resist it fiercely. As the fires of revival sweep across the land, Sennacherib leads the Assyrian host to attack Israel and lay siege on Jerusalem.

A. Resistance From the Enemy of God

Hezekiah has become the "point man" of the revival and Satan aims his lethal attack at him. But note that this revived king is able to stand strong and wise against this open Satanic attack. When he first learns of the enemy's plan, he "takes counsel" with his princes and mighty men (v. 3). He "strengthens himself" in the Lord (v. 5) and proceeds to map out a plan of resistance. A revived king and people are able to withstand this invasion from the enemy. Hezekiah is able to stand strong and resist all their insidious overtures.

B. Resting in the Promises of God

The enemy resorts to his age-old tactics of taunts and terror (vs. 9-16). They gather around the besieged city and taunt the people seeking to cause fear in the hearts of God's people. They taunt with the tongue and the pen seeking to strike fear and divide the people. We should never be ignorant of the devices of the enemy in resisting revival. Instead of crumbling in fear, Hezekiah calmly speaks "comfortably" to his people (vs. 6-8). In the face of overwhelming opposition Hezekiah, unflappable in his demeanor, reminds his people of the promises and power of God admonishing them to "be strong and courageous". Their revived leader reminds them that there are far more with them than with Sennacherib. Being reminded that God is prepared to fight their battles, they rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah and found shelter in the Lord.

C. Reaching Out Of the Hand of God

Wisely Hezekiah seeks the counsel of Isaiah the prophet and together they prayed (v. 20). The greatest weapon in their arsenal was utilized as these mighty men laid hold of the throne of God and mightily prevailed in prayer. Such prevailing prayer brought the visitation of the angel of heaven who smote 185,000 Assyrian soldiers dead in their sleep that very night. Sennacherib went limping home "with shame of face" to be murdered by his own sons (vs. 20-21), while Hezekiah was "magnified" in the sight of all the people (v. 23).

So we must "turn" unto our God for revival in our day. As our enemy taunts and threatens, teases and terrorizes, we must turn unto the Lord. Let us hear the threefold prayer of the Psalmist, "Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause Thy face to shine, and we shall be saved." (Psalm 80:3, 7, 19)