Let’s talk about revival.

I have had a few conversations this past week about the events at Asbury University and they fall in to one of three broad categories for the most part.

1.Skepticism. Is this real or some sociological phenomenon? Is a group making getting themselves worked up and mistaking it for God’s presence? Why would God show up in Wilmore, KY when there are so many pressing issues like the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria, the war torn nation of Ukraine, the campus of Michigan State, or New Mexico State, or the list can go on.
2.Sadness. How I wish it were me! How I wish I could participate! Why doesn’t God do something like this in my life? What am I, or my church, doing wrong that we don’t see this happening in our midst?
3.Excitement. What is God up to? Hoping that this means a reversal in our lack of trust in God as a nation and even a change in our denomination!

When we examine these mountain top experiences side by side some patterns emerge.

1.God initiates the moment through invitation.
2.God ignites the moment through his presence.
3.The people involved are asked to be willing to hear, see, and do.
4.The people are equipped for further ministry. For Moses it was giving the law and forming the nation of Israel. For Elijah, his mountain top experience prepared him to anoint kings and choose a successor in Elisha. For Jesus, this mountain top experience was the strengthening he would need as he begins to turn his face to Jerusalem and his execution.

People of the light are people of God’s presence. That is the promise and the reality through the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is also given also for sanctification. The process, whether immediate or over a lifetime, of a Christian being made holy in love and therefore more like Christ. The end result and reason for any outpouring or revival is to show the love of God and to grow love of God and neighbor.