You have probably heard by now about the Asbury revival that began on February 8th in Wilmoth, Kentucky, on the campus of Asbury University. A regularly scheduled chapel service on Wednesday morning led to an around-the-clock worship service that has just recently stopped (it is being moved off campus to other venues). It also has reached other campuses. In reading reports, it is impressive because of its lack of impressiveness. No personalities and big-name leaders are present though evidently, it’s being led well by students and some faculty. There are no outward expressions of charismania taking hold. All report that God’s presence is tangible, leading to repentance, worship, and spiritual transformation. It appears to be a real work of God.
Some in the church have been longing for revival for decades. I thought the pandemic would have brought something on, but confusion, division, and anxiety ruled the day in the world and the church. Some in the church dismiss revival as a rare fanatical event that is not the church’s focus. Every day faithful obedience is more important. I understand the desire to be faithful over fanatical, yet there is faithful earnestness that God desires. Many have longed for the church to display a different expression of Christianity, including being filled with God’s spirit, faithful preaching, persistent praying, and loving witness. The cry is that the church would know God's power.
For some, being fanatical regarding religion is taking things too far. Be it praying for hours on end or being engaged in expressive worship. Yet spending hours binging on news programs or Netflix series or being expressive when your team wins is justified.
What’s happening at Wilmoth is a sobering reminder that God is in charge, and when his presence dwells among his people, it leads to repentance, worship, and more longing for him. God moves as he wishes. People have been traveling hundreds of miles to Wilmore to get a taste of the goodness of the Lord and his presence. The demographics and church tradition may not be in my tribe or denomination. They may not see the world exactly like I do. But God chose them, and he came down. Who are we to question?
As Presbyterians, we desire to be reasonable about our faith. We have well-thought-out theology, an orderly church polity, and are faithful in our service. All good stuff – but sometimes there is a problem with being reasonable and orderly. As one pastor recently said to his congregation, "If you offered to take your loved one out for Valentine’s Day, I imagine you did not invite them to a reasonable dinner, at a reasonable cost, where you can have a reasonable time.” How much more must we give up reasonableness in our devotion to Christ? Worship and praise can be biblical and expressive, especially as God reaches into the depth of our souls to meet our hearts longing.
What is our response? What does it mean to be wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord? It begins with repentance. It is turning back to him. Open your heart to the Lord and ask Him to come and reveal His Love for you.
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. (Psalm 63:1-3)
