LAKELAND FLORIDA REVIVAL - A commentary on the great Florida healing revival in Lakeland Florida by Francis Frangipane
 There
had not been a prophet in Israel for more than 400 years. Now, in the
spirit and power of Elijah, John the Baptist stood in the Judean
wilderness. Lightning flashed from his eyes as his message thundered
across the terrain of human souls before him. The storm of God had
returned!
Historians
tell us that John's penetrating ministry brought nearly one million
people to a baptism of repentance. It was an unprecedented beginning to
a time of visitation. It was into this electrified atmosphere of
awakened faith that Jesus came, bringing miracles previously unseen in
Israel's history. The presence of the living God was flowing through
Christ; His message was unparalleled: the kingdom of heaven was at
hand!
Yet,
for all the multitudes, miracles, signs and wonders, incredibly, Jesus
lamented over the nation. He wept because, according to His view, they
failed to "recognize the time of [their] visitation" (Luke 19:44).
In
what way did they miss this move of God? Certainly, vast multitudes
responded to John's call for repentance. Clearly, people were in awe of
the supernatural: the incurable had been cured and demoniacs delivered!
And, what of the multitudes that followed Jesus into the wilderness
whom He fed the loaves and fishes – didn't they recognize the
uniqueness of this hour?
Obviously,
the crowds were very familiar with the healing, miraculous dimensions
of a visitation (see Luke 4:14-19; Isaiah 61:1-2). Yet, when God comes
in visitation He is seeking two unfolding realities: to destroy the
works of the devil and then build His kingdom into the lives of the
newly healed. He does not come to heal us so we can drift back into our
old lives. He heals us so He can transform us into His image. Indeed,
the very captives He sets at liberty He then empowers to “rebuild the
ancient ruins . . . raise up the former devastations and . . . repair
the ruined cities” (Isaiah 61:4).
To
ignore or minimize this transformational goal is serious. When we are
given much, much is required. You see, the word visitation not only
means a time of healing; it also refers to a time of inspection, of
being examined closely. God not only participates in the joy of our
deliverance, He is also examining us to see if we will now respond in
increasing obedience.
Our
obedience actually creates a different future for us, one that is
blessed. Yet, if we do not respond, there are calamities awaiting also.
He tells the newly healed to “not sin anymore” lest something worse
happen (John 5:14). To the delivered He warns that, if their soul
remains unoccupied after having their inner lives cleansed and put in
order, the “last state of that man becomes worse than the first” (Matt.
12:45).
You
see, at the very moment God removes our burdens, He is also removing
our excuses. Having now been freed from oppression, the Lord expects
that we will put aside our differences, reconcile and unite as a
heavenly community, and begin to transform our world.
A New Season of Outpouring
Over
the past years, the Lord has raised up an international armada of
intercessory ministries. As a result of the prayer movement, especially
TheCall and other solemn assemblies, the beginnings of a visitation are
emerging. Reports are coming almost weekly of supernatural
manifestations and revival. Many feel we are close to a spiritual
awakening.
I
personally have been following the Lakeland revival on God.tv. Yes,
there are minor things I might do differently, but I have been moved by
the spiritual hunger of the people and also by the remarkable miracles
and conversions. Most importantly, I have been touched by the attending
presence of God’s glory. Yet, while my heart swells with joy, I also
fear. For when we cry for a holy visitation, we are crying for God’s
kingdom – the very reign of God to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
My concern is, when we entreat the Almighty for His kingdom, are we
truly ready to surrender ours?
Most
in first century Israel did not understand the goal of a visitation;
they were blessed, touched and healed, but they did not attain God’s
purpose, and for them Jesus wept. Nevertheless, on Pentecost Christ's
disciples did, in fact, carry the visitation to its appointed purpose:
the early church became the dwelling of God on earth. The citywide
church was united, committed to prayer and focused on Jesus (see Acts
3:1). Miracles were ordinary, as was extravagant giving to the poor.
The early church set the standard for visitation: signs, miracles and
conversions, but also Christ-centered unity among church leaders and
believers alike.
If
there is no functional, Christ-centered unity among the churches in
your city, then lets begin by praying for the leaders. Yes, let us
rejoice in the beginnings of revival. But, with sobriety, let us also
keep in mind that the goal of a visitation from God is that we become
the habitation of God.
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