“Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutescomes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” Luke 15.11-31
This week is another powerful ministry week at Revive Youth Camp. We have our largest gathering yet—750 campers. To some, that number may not seem especially large or significant. For us, however, it represents the largest participation week I have helped lead in 26 years of ministry. For 15 years I led conference youth camps and retreats in the United Methodist Church. After those were closed by liberal bishops, we began Revive. This new expression of Christian camp ministry has now been going strong for 10 years. It started with one retreat and has grown to seeing upwards of 2,000 young people per year.
But far more important than numbers are the young people responding to the Lord. He is saving His people. He is winning them back again. He is bringing back the prodigal. Those who were lost are now found. Our agenda is not a social or “woke” agenda—it is this: “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand,” and “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” This is the ministry to which we have been called.
The parable of the prodigal son is the perfect picture of what God is doing among us. This is what Jesus does—He seeks and saves that which was lost. Without Christ, we would be nowhere. But with Him, we are able to run back to our Father God, whose arms are open wide to receive us into His care.
The older brother was jealous because no party was thrown for him. Yet he had never left his father’s house. He had grown used to the comforts, the stability, and the love. And thank God! He needed to be reminded that simply being in his father’s care was reason enough to celebrate. Even though he had not strayed, he was still a chosen son.
Not only have many of us repented and met Jesus face to face, but God has also received Revive back as a beloved son and daughter. He has welcomed this ministry that was lost and is now found. It is truly a miracle unfolding before our very eyes. God was not finished with this act of worship, word, and praise. He wanted to do even more among us. The fact that God would welcome us back into this work is nothing short of amazing.
As I prepare for our final day, I am deeply blessed to be counted as a son of God. I am thankful for the movement of His Spirit among us. I trust the Lord to redeem His people, to save His Church, and to multiply disciples—so that all might know the love, grace, and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
“O Lord God, You are good. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for allowing us to walk in Your grace. I praise You, Lord, for all that You have done and will do for those who call upon Your name. Come now, Holy Spirit, work among us. Save us, bring revival, call us to repentance and love. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.