Several years ago-well over 20-I did a personal Bible study, then led several groups through the study as well. The study included a story of D.L. Moody. The story goes that someone approached Moody and said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with and through and in a man who is wholly committed to Him.” Moody was reported to have said, “Then I will be that man.” What I have read of Moody is that was his life’s goal.
That is an intriguing story…and an intriguing challenge.
For someone to issue that challenge with one simple statement to a man of Moody’s spiritual stature is pretty bold. (Then again, perhaps that is why Moody became the man of God he was). I sort of wonder what precluded him saying that to Moody and why.
But the greater impact was Moody’s willingness to say, “Here I am.”
That reminds me of Daniel who refused to be silenced for fear of a lion’s den.
That reminds of Shadrach, Meschah, and Abednego who refused to bow for fear of a furnace.
That reminds me of Jeremiah who found himself locked up because he would not stay quiet about Israel’s degradation.
That reminds me of Peter and John who were unafraid of the religious leaders and the consequences of continuing to talk about Jesus. “It is far better for us to listen to God than to man.”
That reminds me of Polycarp, the pastor of Smyrna, who refused to denounce his faith in the “One True King” in order to avoid being burned to death.
That reminds me of the early reformers who refused to be quiet about the Roman Church for fear of being burned alive at the stake.
That reminds me of persecuted Christians in China, North Korea, Iran, etc who face the loss of everything for converting to Christ.
That also reminds me to ask myself, “What about you Bill? Will you take that challenge to be the man willing to see what God can do with and through and in a man who is wholly committed to Him?”
And what about you?
