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1629 |
In Germany, the Edict of Restitution ordered that all church property secularized since 1552 be restored to the Roman Catholic Church. |
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1735 |
English revivalist George Whitefield wrote in a letter: ‘The renewal of our natures is a work of great importance. It is not to be done in a day. We have not only a new house to build up, but an old one to pull down.’ |
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1759 |
English founder of Methodism John Wesley wrote in a letter: ‘There is a wonderful mystery in the manner and circumstances of that mighty working, whereby God subdues all things to himself, and leaves nothing in the heart but his pure love alone.’ |
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1919 |
Death of Julia H. Johnston, 70, American Presbyterian Sunday School leader. She penned about 500 hymns during her lifetime, one of which is still sung today: “Grace Greater Than Our Sin” (a.k.a. “Marvelous Grace of our Loving Lord”). |
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1933 |
Death of Amos R. Wells, 71, pioneer U.S. Christian educator. From l901 until his death, he was editor of “Peloubet’s Notes for the International Sunday School Lessons.” |
Whitefield confronts us with a horrible truth, we must tear down our old houses. So many of us, and I include myself here, have expected or now expect God to simply restore something old and make it new, like finding an old treasure in an attic and dusting it off. No real changes simply an improvement.
I am afraid that is a horrible lie. God doesn’t want to restore the old, His intention is to destroy the old and create something new from the pieces. Something that in some ways may slightly resemble the old, but is radical enough to confuse those who knew the old house. God doesn’t simply want want better. He wants uniquely different and better.
Just a thought
