God Flavors
It is much easier to fit in with the world around us than it is to stand out and live differently as Jesus called us to do. But as true disciples of Christ we know that our lives will be more blessed when we follow His instructions. The lifestyle that Jesus described in the Sermon on the Mount is the complete opposite of what is accepted and expected in the world we live in.
Jesus began His message by saying, “You have heard it said”….. and then added, “But I say.” He made it very clear that His ways are not the world’s ways and His instructions for His followers will be radically different from world views, which will make us stand out as beacons of hope and light to others.
Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. – Matthew 5:13
When Jesus told His disciples that they were to be salt and light He was giving them references that could be easily understood. Salt is a source of flavor that can also cause thirst. Just as salt seasons and changes the flavor of food, a disciple of Christ should be an agent of change to help bring people into a right relationship with God.
Likewise, a taste of salt will cause thirst. When we live as obedient followers of Christ, the way we speak and act has the power to draw thirsty people into a real and personal relationship with Him.
On Wednesday, February 8 at 10:00am, students at Asbury College met for one of their chapel services that take place three times each week. Today is February 18 and that chapel service is still going strong.
Not only has the chapel been full for more than a week, but the revival being experienced at Asbury has also spilled out into other college campuses across the nation. Reports have come out that schools like The University of the Cumberlands and Samford University are beginning to experience similar revivals, while events at the University of Georgia, Iowa State, Minnesota, Texas Tech, Wisconsin, and others have seen more than 2,000 students repent of their sins and turn to Jesus.
There are now reports of thousands of people lining up outside of the Asbury chapel with a second and third chapel on campus being opened to seat some of the overflow. People are traveling for miles to the campus and then waiting for hours just to get inside.
Evangelist Jon Burdette described the revival to the Christian Post like this: “Attending the revival at Asbury was an unforgettable experience. We could literally feel the ‘weighty’ presence of God as soon as we walked into the building. Sensing God’s presence in that way and knowing that this was an unplanned service that had continued since Wednesday morning, I got emotional within the first few minutes of being there. There was passionate, authentic worship, brokenness, people praying at the altar, people praying at their seats, and people praying with each other in groups around the room.”
Their obedience, reverence, and worship created a thirst for Jesus across the country. Praise God!!