They went into Capernaum, and right away He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach. They were astonished at His teaching because He was teaching them as one who had authority, and not like the scribes.– Mark 1:21-22

He preached, and something began to stir.

Just then a man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out, “What do You have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit threw him into convulsions, shouted with a loud voice, and came out of him.

They were all amazed, and so they began to ask each other, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once the news about Him spread throughout the entire vicinity of Galilee. – Mark 1:23-28

He set a man free and amazement was awakened.

When evening came, after the sun had set, they brought to Him all those who were sick and demon-possessed. The whole town was assembled at the door, and He healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons.  – Mark 1:32-34

And now an entire town came seeking the healing, delivering man from Galilee.

Maybe that’s what revival looks like.

A people not really expecting anything new, astonished at the teaching and authority of Jesus. Amazement at His power over darkness. The broken, sick, and tormented carried to Him on fresh hope. Crowds pressing in – not because they’re expecting a great show that will make them feel something for an hour, but because they need His power to set them free.

“…a man with leprosy came to Him and, on his knees and begged Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” (Mark 1:40)

“So many people gathered together that there was no more room, not even in the doorway, and He was speaking the word to them.” (Mark 2:2)

“While He was reclining at the table in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Jesus and His disciples, for there were many who were following Him. When the scribes who were Pharisees saw that He was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they asked His disciples, “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Mark 2:15-16)

Those desperate to be made clean on their knees begging for His willingness * People crowding His presence because they are convinced He heals * His presence among sinners and the offense it brings to the pharisee in us

Maybe revival looks just like that.

Maybe revival is less about a fresh fire from heaven and more about a fresh amazement from earth.

I mean, it’s possible that His Word will begin to burn in our hearts when we begin to burn for His Word, right? When we’re willing to push past what’s in our way so that we can get to Him, maybe that’s the sign that something that had died is finally breathing again. What if revival comes when we realize that He is our only hope to be made clean again, and we’re willing to drop to our knees and ask for His willingness?

What if we are revived when we need His presence to free us, not entertain us?