Thoughts on the Asbury Revival
In 1940, J. Edwin Orr, a historian of revival and professor at Wheaton, took a group of students to various revival sites in England. One of the stops was the former home of John Wesley, the preacher and reformer who led a revival that swept through England in the 16th century. At one point, Dr. Orr pointed out two worn indentations in the carpet next to Wesley’s bed. Those indentations were the result of the hours upon hours Wesley spent in prayer pleading for revival.
As the tour wrapped and the students loaded the bus, Orr noticed one was missing. He walked back into the house and found young Billy Graham kneeling upon the worn indentations praying, “Do it again, Lord! Do it again.”
The first time I heard this, I was overwhelmed at the passionate perseverance of Graham and the powerful way the Lord answered his prayer. It is one of my favorite stories of the humble beginnings of revival.
And today, in the humble town of Wilmore, Kentucky, another revival is unfolding.
If you haven’t heard of the origins of the #AsburyRevival, go read about it. In short, it started on Feb. 8 following a regular chapel service when a small group of students remained in Hughes Auditorium to worship. Word spread. More students showed up. And for 9 days now, that worship service has been ongoing with thousands upon thousands showing up to join this work of the Spirit. People are coming from across the nation and even from across the globe. There is no agenda. There are no programs. There is simply worship, repentance, confession and a radical experience with the Holy Fire of Jesus Christ.
Naturally, there have been skeptics and cynics. Social media has facilitated substantial publicity surrounding the events, and many have weighed in with their thoughts. It is true the Bible tells us to test the Spirits, but everything I hear coming out of Asbury rings of Biblical truth.
Witnesses proclaim the name of Jesus. The Gospel is preached. Sins are confessed. People are repenting. The lost are being saved. Thousands are lining up and circling the building for a chance to stand on this Holy Ground. Then people are leaving, taking the flame kindled there and carrying it to their communities beyond.
Oh friend … I pray you can sense it! God is up to something! We have been praying for weary hearts to return to HIm, for the lost to be found. AND IT IS STARTING. The Lord is awakening hearts. Breaking shackles. Setting prisoners free. Bringing the Good News of the salvation of Jesus Christ to a people who are desperate to hear it.
Don’t miss it! I beg of you … don’t miss what is happening in our country right now. You don’t have to travel to Kentucky. You don’t have to set foot in Hughes Auditorium to experience what is happening there. The same Holy Fire that is burning at Asbury is available to YOU! The Holy Spirit that is filling the Asbury worshippers can fill you. JUST ASK HIM. He is faithful to answer.
Humble yourself before the Lord.
Repent of your sins.
Let the grace of Jesus Christ wash over you.
Then take the flame He ignites within you to a world that is desperate for the Good News of Jesus.
As Asbury Theological Seminary President Timothy Tennent said, “it is not about ‘this place’ or ‘that place’ whether Wilmore or any other city. It is about Christ himself. None of us ‘owns’ this awakening. But all of us must own in our own lives His work and His beckoning to that deeper place. Come, Holy Spirit!”
“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day.” – Habakkuk 3:2
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