I’m not much of a mystic. And, I’m not convinced that we are on “the edge of the greatest revival in the history of the world” or “America’s 3rd
Great Awakening” or “the end of the end of the age” or anything else with apocalyptic or hyperbolic implications.
I am more of a “slow is fast” systematic discipleship gradual progress kind of guy, than a spiritual big-bang THIS is THE catalyst for THE greatest revival ever.
“So, what’d you think?”
I have been asked that question in reference to TheCall Nashville five times in the past hour—by my sons, my wife, and two other pastors.
TheCall Nashville billed itself as “a fast not a festival.” About 60,000 people showed up at Nashville’s LP Field home of the Tennessee Titans NFL team, for the 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. twelve-hour prayer meeting today, July 7, 2007, or 07-07-07.
I left the stadium after praying, worshiping and sweating for four and a half hours. I left because I have a million things to do before flying back to Manila in forty-eight hours, and because it was just too hot. I know that sounds carnal, but it’s true.
Soooooo, what’d you think?
Yes, there were plenty of flag-waving, tambourine-shaking ’70s charismatic throwbacks. Yes, there were countless references to unsavory Bible characters like Jezebel and Ahab. Yes, many who prayed from the stage screamed and yelled at the top of their lungs as if God couldn’t hear. And yes, I’m still a bit confused with all the covenant and marriage/divorce imagery. (Why can’t prophetic/intercessory people speak in plain Tennessee English?)
But, there was plenty of passion, sincerity, humility, and love for Jesus.
Did I mention the passion? The stadium was on fire with people passionate about Jesus. I hope it was contagious, because I think I could use more passion, not to mention humility.
So, what did I think about TheCall Nashville?
– I think 60,000 people praying, worshiping, repenting, and seeking God together is a good thing.
– I think using an NFL stadium for prayer and worship is a good thing.
– I think thousands of people praying for the salvation of their friends and family is a good thing.
– I think people repenting for immorality, porn, abortion, and then a making a public pledge of purity is a good thing.
– I think people of different ethnicities, different denominations, different generations gathering together in unity to seek God is a good
thing.
So, here’s what I think: even if it does not turn out to be THE event that turns America and the world back to God, and even though much of
it was not my style, my culture, or my language—I still think it was a good thing. And, I hope I caught a bit of that contagious passion from those radical young people.
I thank God for TheCall Nashville, and I believe he is answering our prayers.