14.7.11

Moravian Missionaries

I recently heard the story of the two Moravian Missionaries, John Leonard Dober and David Nitschman.  In 1732 they left their homes and families to preach Christ to a plantation in the West Indies of 2,000-3,000 slaves.  These slaves lived on a single island and were owned by an atheist slave owner who had publicly declared that no pastor or preacher would come and share Jesus on his island.  When John and David heard this they tried to sell themselves into slavery to this man so that they could preach Christ among the slaves (but they found out they could not because it was illegal for white people to be slaves).  It gives a whole new meaning to Romans 6:18, "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." 


When they were on the ship, pulling away from home on their way to the West Indies, with their church and families lined up on the docks, one of them shouted form the boat, "May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering."  As they leave friends and family al behind, on their way to what might be their death, their minds are fixed on Jesus and ensuring that when He returns His reward will be large and pure.  When we participate in the mission of Christ, are we really doing it for the glory of Christ?  Do we want to be able to present Jesus with the reward He deserves?  Or are we in it to make a name for ourselves?


I pray that in the midst of your ministry and your struggles you focus will be on the slain Lamb receiving the reward of His suffering.

3.7.11

"I will be with you"

There is a passage in Exodus 3 that has been on my mind a lot recently.  God has come to Moses in the burning bush and has told him that he will go and lead Israel out of slavery in Egypt.  Moses first question to God is "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"

Now, I've heard many sermons and teachings on Moses that tell of how God prepared him.  How Moses spent 40 years in Pharaoh's household so he knew Egypt and how to work there.  And how Moses lead sheep in the wilderness for 40 years so he knew how to lead large groups.  These teachings say that Moses was prepared and ready to lead God's people out of Egypt.

But when Moses asks God, "Who am I," God's response is not, "Well, Moses you're actually really prepared."  God's response to Moses is, "I will be with you."  And what we realize is that Moses was completely incapable of doing this task, but all that he needed to know was that God was with him.  And that was enough.

It's the same story in Judges 6.  When the angel of the Lord comes to Gideon and tells him that he will rescue Israel from the Midianites Gideon asks, "How can I save Israel...I am the least in my family?"  And the Lord's response is not about how qualified Gideon is.  His response is, "I will be with you."


Take heart, friends, because what you are doing for the Lord is beyond your ability.  Because of your brokenness and sin you are incapable of any task God gives you.  But know that if He is with you, then you need nothing else.  If He is with you, you have all the power in the universe.  If He is with you, then you can shake the nations for His glory.  If He is with you, then all things are possible.

So, today claim His promise, "I will be with you."

2.7.11

David Platt on Prayer


I was listening to this sermon by David Platt and this one part really struck me.  Am I going to live in such a way that I risk everything for the kind of Christianity where I need prayer?  Are you?