A massive revival is coming. It is spoken of in the Bible (See Revelation 7:9-13). It will be so large that no one will be able to count the numbers. This revival will erupt in every nation and every people group and it will certainly flourish in America. A revival of this magnitude cannot come unless entire families and communities come to Christ, so an unexpected shift is on the horizon. Instead of individual conversions, we will see entire households getting saved. The key to explosive revival is household salvation and that only happens when men get saved. Since epic revivals of such proportions are prophesied, we can declare that a multitude of men are going to get saved. According to Dave Morrow in his book, When Men Hate Going to Church, statistically speaking, if moms come to Christ 17% of their families get saved, but when fathers come to the Lord 93% of their families follow Christ. Get ready, because grandfathers, fathers, uncles, brothers and sons will be coming to the Lord in large numbers. Some have prayed so long for the men in their families that, over time, they have lost hope in that resolve. Do not lose heart; pray and intercede because the doors will swing open and the men will be saved.
Zacchaeus
Men can be stubborn, sarcastic and critical, but Zacchaeus the tax collector was worse; he was corrupt and evil as well. We read about him in Luke 19; he betrayed his people by collecting taxes for the Romans. He did it with such diligence that the Romans promoted him to chief tax collector. Once that happened, Zacchaeus had enormous power and he misused it; he collected more than required. He kept the excess for himself and over time Zaccaeus became wealthy. If any Jews resisted, he could have them whipped or killed for tax evasion and they would be branded as enemies of the state. The Jewish people hated Zacchaeus, they saw him as a sinner, and a traitor. In quiet corners he was known as a thief and a despicable man. Some wished for the opportunity to take him out, but Zacchaeus lived behind well guarded walls and did not venture beyond them without a military escort. His family lived in seclusion, along with the elite, those who were the rich and infamous.
Then He Saw Jesus
From behind his walls, Zacchaeus heard the loud ruckus on the street. He had been told about Jesus the miracle worker, including the rumor that he was a rabbi sent from God. He did not know what to expect, but he longed for something that could fix the emptiness of his soul. I have often looked at a famous person to hopefully see something extraordinary and, most of the time, I have been disappointed. I am sure Zacchaeus felt the same, but still he had to get a glimpse of Jesus; he was a needy man.
Zacchaeus went out to the street accompanied by his guards, but the crowd was too massive and he was not tall enough to see above it. The rabbi was moving in his direction and in Zacchaeus’ heart, something was moving as well. He pushed his guards aside and ran ahead of the multitude to a large sycamore tree on the side of the road. He climbed up into its branches and from there, for the first time, he saw Jesus. What he saw was unexpected and it impacted him.
Zacchaeus knew many rabbis, Pharisees and religious figures, but the majority of people did not follow them. This crowd, however, was huge and the people were connected to Jesus like they had never been connected before. It was as if, at any moment, he would do something that was out of this world. Zacchaeus was mesmerized as he stared at the spectacle, and in what seemed like just a moment, the miracle worker was right there, standing at the foot of the tree he was in. For Zacchaeus, it became personal; time stood still, and then Jesus looked up and spoke to him. No one had ever paid him this kind of attention and somehow, Jesus knew his name. As if in a dream world, Zacchaeus knew the rabbi held the keys to his future. Suddenly Jesus said, “Zacchaeus, come down. I am coming to your house.”
By the time they reached the house Zacchaeus was converted. It was miraculous and complete; he surrendered everything to the Lord. In a moment of time, he counted the cost, received faith, and made a decision. Before now, he never knew God was so real, but once he met Jesus, everything became clear. That is how it will be in our time, as so many fathers and sons enter the revival.
Shortly after they arrived at the home, Zacchaeus said, ““Lord, Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house [family].”” Lk. 19:8-9
Zacchaeus, who was ego-centric, selfish, cruel, corrupt and abusive was suddenly and miraculously changed. He became kind, compassionate, generous and magnanimous. He held nothing back; he gave half of his wealth to the poor, plus he repaid all he had stolen and he went beyond the call of duty. He gave four times what he had taken as restitution.
Jesus did not have a discussion with him to see that his doctrine was correct. Both he and Zacchaeus knew that this Jewish man had the right doctrine, but now he had salvation and sanctification as well.
Immediately, Jesus saw the affect on Zacchaeus’ family, friends, co-workers, slaves and servants. He witnessed an entire family and a large community come to salvation. Jesus had come to that house, and revival came to Jericho.
This experience of a father coming to Christ, resulting in his entire family and community getting saved is not an isolated case.
When Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown in prison, in the city of Philippi, God sent an earthquake to free them. The episode was so dynamic and it was such a God-moment that the prison warden was instantly converted.
The Jailor asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you and your family will be saved.” … Then he and his entire family were baptized immediately. … He was thrilled, as was his household, to believe in God.” Acts 16:30-34 ISV
In a different situation, a family and a community come to Christ when Cornelius the Roman centurion, calls for Peter and his companions to come and minister to him, his family and his friends.
We read, “Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends … Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people … While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.” Acts 10:24,27,44,45
Zacchaeus, the Jailor, and Cornelius, each came to Christ though miraculous circumstances. The results were far reaching; their entire families and many friends and acquaintances in their communities came to the Lord as well. These conversions of men sparked revival in Jericho, Caesarea, and Philippi. The salvation of fathers in our day will bring revival in many families and communities as well. It will happen.
It seems that these men in the Bible were tough, stubborn leaders, but at the right moment, God called them and they could not resist. It was time for the harvest and the fruit was ripe. When that moment arrives, salvation comes quickly, and like a pent-up flood, the dam bursts, and multitudes get saved.
Then great rejoicing comes to the house. Children get saved, teens and young adults flock to the Lord. Friends and neighbors see the miraculous changes and want the same for their families. It is coming.
It is time to partner with heaven for the family. Expect the men of the house to come to Christ. Boldly pray the prayer of faith and let revival burst forth.
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