A New Year of Revival

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Matthew 9:35-38

 

Matthew 9:37-38

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. ³⁸ Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

(NKJV)

 

A new year has come. As with any new year, there is both hope and anxiety. Hope for happiness, joy, and peace but also anxiety something will go wrong that derails our hope. Those placing their hope in Jesus Christ will encounter problems (John 16:33) but can still have hope knowing Jesus is with them and able to take them through and silence the storms of life (Mark 4:35-41). The year 2025 can and should be a year of revival.

 

The year 2025 begins with much hope. There is hope,

 

·         Politically – The re-election of Donald Trump to a second term as President of the United States has brought much hope politically after four years of high inflation and weak leadership by the Biden administration. In fact, this hope is not just evident in the United States but has other countries in the world anticipating a stronger United States presence in the world, bringing fear to some and hope to others.

·         Economically – The energy policies of the Biden Administration caused energy prices to skyrocket causing prices of all goods to increase due to increasing shipping costs. Consumers, especially those on fixed incomes feel this pinch. This decrease in discretionary income is especially prevalent in the restaurant industry as people have less income to eat out leading to the closure of many restaurants. The hope is that President Trump will return to his energy policies and a reduction in energy costs leading to price reductions across the economy.

·         National security – During the four years of the Biden administration, the borders of the United States were wide open leading to an influx of illegal drugs, human trafficking, and dangerous criminals and even terrorists entering the country. Trump’s promise to close the border promises increased security for the country as these activities are curtailed due to a closed border.

·         For revival – During the Biden administration the woke culture in the United States was energized with the government condoning abortion on demand, the support of gay marriage, and transgenderism leading to men unfairly competing against women in collegiate sports. The hope is that a strong Trump administration will embolden the Church to speak out against these issues, pointing people to Christ and a personal relationship with Him.

 

While there is much hope, the Church must not fall into the trap of complacency because things are going okay, and learn from the cycle in the Book of Judges. The continual cycle of Judges was when the people turned to God, God blessed them, the people became complacent and turned from God, things went wrong, and the people returned to God. This is what I believe happened during the first term of President Trump with many Christians not turning out to vote, thinking voting was unnecessary since all was going okay. The Church must be diligent in repentance, prayer, spreading the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and continue to participate in the political process. The Church is the message of sanity and righteousness in a woke culture and must boldly speak out. The final words of the Book of Judges are “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. (Judges 17:6, 21:25). This must not be the final word for the Church in our time.

 

In 2025 it is vital for the Church to,

·         Not believe that fair winds politically are the answer. The Bible commands God’s people to pray for their leaders, leading to a quiet and peaceable life (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We should thank God for strong leadership that promotes the security and welfare of citizens but remain diligent in prayer for our leaders and nation.

·         Must thank God for good economic conditions but be wise stewards of what God has provided – Fair political conditions will lead to prosperity for many, including the Church. However, the Bible commands us to be good stewards, or managers, of what God has given us. In 1 Peter 4:7-11, the theme is serving for God’s glory, reminding the Church to use what God provides for His glory, including our economic prosperity. While God freely gives His grace, spreading the Gospel comes at a price, including a financial cost. Wise stewardship of God’s financial blessing will lead to the efficient spreading of the Gospel message and the lifting-up of Christ.

·         Must remain diligent on the wall of prayer and engaged in spiritual warfare – After defining the armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-17, Scripture tells believers to pray always in the Spirit with watchfulness, perseverance, and supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18). It is easy to pray when things are going wrong going back to the cycle of the Book of Judges with God’s people praying to return to God when things went wrong. The challenge is to remain diligent in prayer when things are going well. Our enemy, the devil does not rest but is diligent in seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). This is why the Church must not become complacent in prayer.

 

I want to invite anyone reading this post who has not prayed for salvation from their sins and to make Jesus the Lord of their life through the confession of their belief in Jesus as their Savior to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May the Lord challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post.