A Family Revival

A FAMILY REVIVAL

GENESIS 35: 1-15

We speak often of the need for revival in the church, but did you ever consider the need for revival in the family?
The family of Jacob provides us with a wonderful case study in a family revival.

I.        DESPERATELY NEEDED.
There are times of special need. Jacob’s household found themselves in a time of desperate need of a fresh
encounter with God in mercy. How could the need be any greater in our families?
1.        Because of the moral decline in the family.
The events described in the prior chapter are so evident. The daughter Dinah is defiled. Two of the sons of Jacob
have bloody hands. Some of the family members are worshippers of idols.
2.        Because of the loss of influence by the family.
“Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me stink among the inhabitants of the land.”
3.        Because of the strategic place of the family.
The redemptive purpose of God for the world rests on the shoulders of this family.
II.        DIVINELY INITIATED.
1.        God speaks a word of command.
2.        God speaks a word of reminder.
III.        PARENTLLY DIRECTED.
Unfortunately history reveals that most revivals start among the young rather the parents. But a family revival needs
to begin with the parents. Especially the father!
1.        The father hears the word.
The word came to Jacob as a command—“Arise, and go up to Bethel and dwell there.”
2.        The father leads the obedience to the word.
God did not specify the things that Jacob led the family to do, but he instinctively knew what would be required to
return to Bethel. In a Biblical family parents lead—especially fathers. They do not operate democratically. I grew up
in a family where parents lead.
IV.        THOROUGHLY PURSUED.
The whole family pursues.
“And Jacob said to his household, and to all that were with him.”
1.        The whole family repents.
“And they gave to Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand.”
2.        The whole family commits.
“And he built there an altar, and called the place El-beth-el.” (v. 7)
V.        RICHLY REWARDED.
1.        There is a fresh revelation of God.
“And God appeared unto Jacob again.”
2.        There is a renewed covenant with God.
“And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob; thy name shall not be called  any more Jacob, but Israel shall be they
name; and he called his name Israel.”
3.        There is an enriched blessing from God.
“And blessed him.” “And kings shall come of thy loins.”