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.