Shouts of Joy

I stepped outside my home and heard the roar of the crowd. Although I live three miles from Hazeltine golf course (the site of the recent PGA championship), apparently the wind was just right to carry the crowd's cheers a good distance. And from the sounds of it, it must have been a pretty spectacular shot!

I was actually on my way to the Rock the River music festival on Harriet Island. For months, thousands of people have been praying and preparing for this evangelistic outreach to young people. I had never heard of most of the bands playing, and I must admit feeling a bit old around the raucous music. But I was proud of us older generations who were there to support the youth, some with Kleenex sticking out of their ears as sound buffers!

The gospel message was preached several times with simplicity and Scriptural clarity. Although some 23,000 people were milling around and at times appearing distracted, God’s Spirit still penetrated hearts. Nearly a thousand people walked forward to the front of the stage to make decisions for Christ that day.

That brings me back to the crowds at the golf tournament. Sure, it was probably fun to see celebrities play at such a high caliber. Sure, there were probably some thrilling moments.

But none of that compares with the thrill of seeing youth stream forward to give their lives to Jesus Christ. Just imagine the roar of the heavenly crowds cheering us on! Certainly no golf shot could ever match the eternal shouts of joy when God's Kingdom was advanced last Sunday afternoon.