Habakkuk 3:2 O LORD, I have heard your speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive your work in the middle of the years… The "work of the Lord" means the salvation of immortal souls, and the extension of our Redeemer's kingdom. I. THE PROSPERITY OF GOD'S WORK IS THE CHIEF BUSINESS OF GOD'S PEOPLE. The prophet sees into the future, and instead of being overwhelmed by coming calamities, he realises how immeasurably greater is the welfare of the soul than the welfare of the body, and his earnest, heart-prompted entreaty is, "O Lord, revive Thy work in the midst of the years " II. THE WORK OF GOD IN THE SOUL MAY SO DECLINE AS TO STAND IN NEED OF REVIVAL. Does our spiritual life still retain all the freshness and charm of its birth? Is it, as it ought to be, more real, more intense, more earnest, more fully developed by the lapse of time? III. ALTHOUGH THE WORK OF GOD WITHIN US MAY DECLINE, YET THERE IS A POWER THAT CAN REVIVE IT. God can make the dry bones to live, and God can breathe a new life even into the soul that seems to be dead, so deathlike is its sleep. Why does God every year perform the miracles of the spring-time? That we may have perpetually before our eyes illustrations of His reviving power. Then axe you not anxious that a mighty revival of this spiritual life should be experienced in your own souls, and in the souls of those who are dear to you? If you are, pray for it. (John F. Haynes, LL. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. |
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