One Heart - Together as OneSample

A LIFE WORTH LIVING

Ludwig, Duke of Zinzendorf (1700-1760), was an ambitious young man. He was a good student, popular with his friends, well-connected, and a member of the German aristocracy. Then one day he found himself in a museum, gazing at a painting of Jesus on the cross. He could not tear himself away from it: the wounds, the face, the crown of thorns. And then the inscription carved on the frame caught his eye: “This He has done for you. What are you doing for Him?” Suddenly he had found meaning in his life. He dedicated everything he possessed, his youthful enthusiasm, his connections, and his wealth to the Lord. He welcomed a group of religious refugees to his estate at Hernnhut, and together with them he founded a missionary society that through the years sent numerous missionaries to many parts of the world. The very first missionary to arrive in South Africa in 1737 was Georg Schmidt, one of Von Zinzendorf’s colleagues, who came to proclaim the Good News to the Khoi people.

After having baptised his first converts in about 1742, Schmidt faced criticism from some clergymen in Stellenbosch who were of the opinion that only Reformed ministers could baptise. They also regarded him as not having been properly ordained. He suspended his duties and left the country on 5 March 1744, intending to return after pleading his cause in Amsterdam. However, he did not get the permission he had hoped for and never returned to the Cape. All was not lost, however. One of the Khoi, Vehettge Magdalena, picked up the baton. Fifty years later missionaries from Hernnhut returned to find that she had planted a church. God is absolutely faithful to work out His plans. In 2022 a brave group of Christians from the Dutch Reformed and Moravian Church went to Genadendal for a day that is recorded in heaven. Ds. Nelis van Rensburg offered an apology with a lengthy confession of the sins of the DRC and Apartheid. Rev. Abrahams, President of the Moravian church said these unforgettable words: "We determined to forgive unconditionally!"

Von Zinzendorf, Schmidt, Ds van Rensburg, and Rev Abrahams, are some of a great many Christians who have, through the ages, heeded Paul’s words: “I beseech you therefore, brethren. By the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). If we follow Christ in our own country and at our own time, serving the cause of reconciliation, we will be joining the faithful who have followed him for countless generations. It is not an easy road to follow. Laying yourself on the altar means that you will be sacrificing everything for the Lord: your time, your enthusiasm, your comfort, your possessions, your safety, perhaps even your life. It is true that bridge-builders may be trampled on. But take heart. A bridge is meant to be walked over, isn’t it? Remember: the cross is not only our badge or our logo. It is our manual, our guide to life.

PRAYER POINTERS

ME: Are you willing to lay down your life for the purpose of God in your generation? Present yourself before the throne of God, to become one of the world-changers today.

US: Ask the Lord to forgive us as Christians for our selfish ways and actions in the past and present. Pray for the Church of Jesus Christ in your nation to understand Jesus’ attitude of humility and self-sacrifice, and for us to commit to and dedicate ourselves to follow His example. Pray for pastors, priests, reverends, elders, and deacons, and for every ordinary Christian to give themselves freely to the strengthening and building of the Body of Christ in our nation.

THEM: Pray that people in your nation will respond to the call to reconciliation and join with one heart to transform their nation.

Remember your scripture memory of John 17.

"May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering!" – Moravian missionaries.