And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. (Mark 1:5)
The results of revival seems to get our attention. Can you really prepare for these results? Some think you can. Some think you can't. So what does the text tell us? This was the beginning of Mark's Gospel...but it wasn't the beginning of the gospel story. Throughout the history of God's people there were times when they were confronted with the impossibility of God forgiving the sin of His people until the people came into a condition of repentance. Without repentance there can be no forgiveness of sin. Without the awareness of the need of forgiveness, repentance is a non-issue. Why would anyone repent, or turn from their sin, if they have no awareness that their sin separates them from the holiness of God? When we are made aware of our need for forgiveness it will be because we have recognized our sin...transgression beyond the boundaries that God has set in place. And we have missed the mark of rising to the standard of expectation that God has established...that His people be holy. When we realize our sin, we must agree with God about it. This is called confession. To call it what God calls it...not mistakes...not errors in judgment...but sin, rebellion against God and His order. So the beginning of the gospel must include a sense of our sin, realize our need for forgiveness, confession of sin, and practicing repentance. Then the way of revival is prepared. Then and only then, we are ready for the Lord to come. Revival implies that something once has lived. Revival for God's people is possible if we become prepared. Revival, a fresh breath of life, is that which results from preparation to receive the presence of God. Prepare to meet your God.
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