If you do not know, a couple of weeks ago a spontaneous revival broke out at Asbury University. After a normal and uneventful chapel, some students hung around being prompted by the Holy Spirit to continue worship. Those who were there report it to be mostly student-led, low-key, and mainly about the praise of God and the forgiveness of sin. One of the hallmarks of revival is that it begins with confession that turns into praise. So, the process is God’s spirit prompting confession that turns into praise that sends you out with a changed life. The continuous worship service lasted over two weeks with thousands of people making pilgrimage to Asbury University to be part of it.
Asbury has a history of these type of revivals happening starting in 1905, 1920, and 1970. Each one had a profound impact on the people who attended and the people who they influenced coming out of these Holy Spirit prompted events.
Some people at my local church asked my opinion about it. So below are my attempted thoughts and hopes for the post-revival season.
I must admit I am both encouraged and a bit apprehensive. I am encouraged that it was not a manufactured event. I am encouraged that it was mostly student led. I am encouraged that curious on-lookers came on pilgrimage to see what God was up to. I am encouraged by the faith of Gen Z in an era of truly post-Christendom. I am encouraged by the testimonies of the people who were actually there.
What I am apprehensive about is what happens next. How will this revival bear fruit? If it is truly a revival, then it will spread – not by other places replicating what happened – but by the lives of those touched by the revival. It will result in lives of loving service following Jesus on His way. After all, the prophets remind us repeatedly that it is not necessarily worship that God always desires (though certainly important), but changed lives that lead to a more just, righteous, and loving world.
That is my prayer, that this revival will spread. I pray it will spread in the hearts and lives of the people who were there. I pray that it will spread to those who were not there, inspired by the faith and lives of love that come out of it. I pray that it will spread to me and that I will worship God deeply, devoutly, and live for and with God in my everyday interactions. I pray that I will become a more just, righteous, and loving person as a result. Will you pray with me?
Grace and Peace,
Ray