I have been thinking a lot about test God puts in the path of a marriage. My thoughts brought me back to a man i greatly admire and I draw strength from his testimony. May his story do the same for you. The except below is from my thesis on marriage.
Historical Example of a Marriage Marked by the Intellectual Attributes
A marriage centered on God and His attributes is a marriage that functions well in adversity. The wisdom of God rules the heart, the truthfulness of God stabilizes it, and God’s knowledge of man and his destiny secures it, in His love.
A newlywed couple was walking in the German Harz Mountains enjoying the scenery, but they did not realize until it was too late that a storm was fast approaching. Surrounded by lightening and thunder, the bride was overcome with fear. Though the two made it home safely, the bride suffered a nervous breakdown which left her frail and an invalid for the rest of her life.
The woman’s name was Annie Warfield. She was the wife of theologian Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield, who was considered one of American’s top theologians at the time. He studied under Charles Hodge at Princeton Seminary and was a Professor at Princeton until his death in 1921. Annie and Benjamin were married August 13, 1876. Soon after they traveled to Europe so Benjamin could study there. The two had their faithful encounter with the violent storm just before Benajmin began his studies.
Annie never fully recovered. In her last years, Annie was bedridden and in need of constant attention. Warfield became her primary care giver, and he faithfully nursed her for more than 40 years of marriage. Students and friends noted the tender care he showed his wife during the rare times they were out in public. In the later years, Benjamin did not leave her side for more than two hours at a time, leaving only to do lecture before rushing back home to her aid.
Amazingly, he did not neglect his duties at Princeton. He was an author, and he was a mentor to many of his pupils. J. Gresham Machen stated that Warfield “had done about as much work as ten ordinary men.” Yet, sacrifices were required. Warfield was a man of considerable talent who could command a great influence over the church at large, but he had the wisdom to see that his primary task was to tend to his house and wife. He gave up fame out of love and chose the bedside over the prominence of the pulpit. It is no doubt why one pupil wrote, “I am more and more impressed with him; he is certainly one of the very biggest men in the Church either in this country or any other.”
Before he was a theologian and a husband, Warfield was a great lover of God. He understood the nature of God as wise and truthful. He trusted in the sovereignty of God. The sure footing with which his marriage held is surely a witness to Warfield’s belief in God’s wisdom and knowledge over all circumstances. It was his abiding understanding of God’s nature that made the doldrums of suffering in his marriage; resound with the melody of redemptive leadership. He saw his God given place to be a husband and remained by his wife’s side even when putting her away could have been justified even in the formal and rather Victorian setting in which he lived. God and Warfield's knowledge of him strengthened and girded up his soul to bear the weight of such a glory (Rom 8:17-18). His witness shimmered with the brilliance of this glory, a glory born of suffering; eerily reminiscent of the cross and beautifully emblematic of Redemptive love.
Showing posts with label story. Show all posts
Showing posts with label story. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Little Lives and Big People in retrospect
Matt 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Imagine if you will, heaven in all its splendor and glory. We are there and Jesus has passed judgment on the darkness and all in it. All that remains is truth and light. Jesus has removed the darkness into the fire and now comes crowning time. The sea of people ripples with anticipation as He commands His angels to bring the multitude to order and in line. They do as He says, ordering and ushering two saints to the front. The first stands there in worshipful reverence. She is an older-looking lady, a grandmother of sorts. Her hair is grayed with wisdom, her small stout frame shaking in the presence of One so great.
The eyes of Jesus fall on her as He turns with crown in hand. His eyes go soft at the sight of her. Tears of heavenly sunlight run down the King’s smiling face. The day of His glory has finally come, for this is the day He reveals all of His LOVE and surpassing majesty to His children. This day He has so longed for has now come and all is ready for His decree. “Let all be New!” The sound rings forth as the word of God spoke! Like creation in ever increase, the hosts of heaven witness the newness of eternity. Never to grow dull is the day of the Lord. Never will the gold tarnish, or flesh decay. Only an ever increase of new life in holy love.
Jesus gestures for the older lady to step up before Him. He smiles the smile only a savior can show and with one gentle move He places the crown on her head. The moment is all Glory as the woman of God stands breathless. Eyes full of tears, Jesus wipes away one by one those Joy-filled drops which are never to cross her cheeks again. “Beloved,” He proclaims, “she preached the gospel and never said a word, for she was mute.” “Jesus,” she uttered as a look of jubilation erupted from her face. “Jesus, I so longed to say your name but it was not my lot.” Joyfully He spoke, “Now you may say it all you like!!” Turning to the crowd He explained, “Her alms were great, she gave all, only keeping just enough to stay alive. She lived a life so devoted to Me that without even a word being spoken, hearts were changed. She let Me make her weakness, her frailty, the strength of My power. Many came to know Me because of her witness of Me. She let Me make her life a beautiful picture of My heart. Because of that, many came needing what she had—Me, the Hope of glory and that is irresistible to the human soul.” Jesus pauses to look at the reflection of His likeness on the face of the humble saint, and after a moment He continues. “One such man was given only a glass of water and when asked why, a loving smile and a look to the sky was all My spirit needed to bring a hardened man of war to the God of his youth. That man became a servant of mine and showed many the narrow way. I gave inspiration to others for books and works, all from her witness. Because she sowed, many could reap.”
She whispered, “Beauty for ashes. Joy for mourning.” Jesus, fixing his gaze on her, took a long pause. He locked this moment away in His heart. Then leaning down eye to eye with her said, “I love your praise, It was worth it. How you begged Me by your longing to draw close, the righteousness that came as I drew near shown from you and changed the faith of millions.” Looking back to the saints He told them of her new name. It meant “beautiful in my eyes.”
Then like a proud father Jesus stated, “Well done My good and faithful servant. Enter into My beauty.” She paused and with sober determination she stepped back, kneeled, and laid her crown at His feet. “You’re the reason for it all! I am nothing! Without you, I am only incomplete.” The air of heaven grew rich with the love of eternity. Jesus, moved by the hand of devotion, called out, “Come, receive your treasure!” With that He reached out and she partook of the greatest treasure of heaven, the hug of Jesus.
Gal 5:6 All is VAIN except FAITH DISPLAYING ITSELF in LOVE!
Next came a young man full of life and anticipation. Jesus exploded into celebration at the sight of this saint. “I-I-wa-want-ted t-to!” Jesus gently put his fingers over the boy’s lips and then spoke, “Rest your soul,” He began. “He has spoken many words to me,” with a chuckle He turned and crowned Him a king of the King. All heaven cheered as the boy stood awestruck at the glory of Jesus. His heart overflowed with love and adoration. Jesus looked to him saying, “You will not stutter any more.” With that the boy burst into praise, and shouted, “Thank You Lord!” in a clear and distinct voice. The excitement flamed across the people in praise and adoration lifted to King Jesus. As He laughed at the joy on each face, Jesus raised His hand and with a reluctant gesture, settled the crowd saying, “There will be plenty of time for that.”
A hush fell over the crowd and then Jesus proclaimed “He talked to me, all the time. His prayers stirred me, such love!” He stopped to look at the boy. “He helped answer all the need for rain by praying for every dry place: He prayed my Spirit to move by saying”
The boy cut in gazing upon his love, “Thy kingdom come, They will be done.” Jesus, appearing startled by this, said “I have never heard you say it so fast.” He turned back to the crowd. “It took him hours to say that. One time he longed for the lost and in seven words laid the foundation for the Great Awakening.”
“You were my friend and I knew You could help,” the boy exclaimed. “I knew You would be patient with me, for I know You loved me.”
Jesus’ eyes swelled with tears once again. “You never once asked for a cure, never did you take the time to pray for yourself. You would spend days not eating just to talk. So joyful, you never knew your hunger.”
“You fed me and filled me up!” Jesus marveled at his child-like faith. “So full you were bubbling over with the joy and peace I gave. All scoffers and mockers did lay hold of you and tormented you, but you never let your tongue be used for evil.” The boy with tears muttered, “Your joy was my strength!”
Jesus began to wipe the tears away and told the saints of a time when the boy had cried out to Him for a woman he didn’t know. She was very sick and his heart was heavy for her. So he prayed through the night trying feverishly to get the name of that sickness over his fumbling tongue. “Why didn’t you just say heal her?” Jesus declared in a desperate tone.
The boy shrunk back, “You said be specific!” A deep laugh came from the belly of Jesus. “It was answered the minute you said Amen.”
“It was!!?” He said in astonishment.
“She also stands here now because of that prayer.” Jesus motioned to the sea of people pointing to a woman in the front. She stood with hands clasped at her heart as she mouthed the words “thank you.” The boy’s face gave off a humble twitch as he smiled and shyly said, “You’re welcome.”
Smiling, Jesus spoke, “That prayer had me almost in knots. His perseverance showed his measure of faith, and if I could have I would have come for him then. Beloved I love you all with the same love, but none has touched my heart like this little one.” To him, He lovingly said, “Great is your reward. Enter into my beauty.” In that moment the boy went to a familiar position, and as the name that once had come so hard now rolled off his tongue as smooth as it had his heart, he cast down his crown with a warrior’s cry shouting, “The Lamb of God is worthy and worthy to be praised!” Heaven’s assembly erupted again in agreement as he arose to claim the greatest Gift to ever be given to man — the embrace of Christ.
And the last shall be first and the first shall be last.
Imagine if you will, heaven in all its splendor and glory. We are there and Jesus has passed judgment on the darkness and all in it. All that remains is truth and light. Jesus has removed the darkness into the fire and now comes crowning time. The sea of people ripples with anticipation as He commands His angels to bring the multitude to order and in line. They do as He says, ordering and ushering two saints to the front. The first stands there in worshipful reverence. She is an older-looking lady, a grandmother of sorts. Her hair is grayed with wisdom, her small stout frame shaking in the presence of One so great.
The eyes of Jesus fall on her as He turns with crown in hand. His eyes go soft at the sight of her. Tears of heavenly sunlight run down the King’s smiling face. The day of His glory has finally come, for this is the day He reveals all of His LOVE and surpassing majesty to His children. This day He has so longed for has now come and all is ready for His decree. “Let all be New!” The sound rings forth as the word of God spoke! Like creation in ever increase, the hosts of heaven witness the newness of eternity. Never to grow dull is the day of the Lord. Never will the gold tarnish, or flesh decay. Only an ever increase of new life in holy love.
Jesus gestures for the older lady to step up before Him. He smiles the smile only a savior can show and with one gentle move He places the crown on her head. The moment is all Glory as the woman of God stands breathless. Eyes full of tears, Jesus wipes away one by one those Joy-filled drops which are never to cross her cheeks again. “Beloved,” He proclaims, “she preached the gospel and never said a word, for she was mute.” “Jesus,” she uttered as a look of jubilation erupted from her face. “Jesus, I so longed to say your name but it was not my lot.” Joyfully He spoke, “Now you may say it all you like!!” Turning to the crowd He explained, “Her alms were great, she gave all, only keeping just enough to stay alive. She lived a life so devoted to Me that without even a word being spoken, hearts were changed. She let Me make her weakness, her frailty, the strength of My power. Many came to know Me because of her witness of Me. She let Me make her life a beautiful picture of My heart. Because of that, many came needing what she had—Me, the Hope of glory and that is irresistible to the human soul.” Jesus pauses to look at the reflection of His likeness on the face of the humble saint, and after a moment He continues. “One such man was given only a glass of water and when asked why, a loving smile and a look to the sky was all My spirit needed to bring a hardened man of war to the God of his youth. That man became a servant of mine and showed many the narrow way. I gave inspiration to others for books and works, all from her witness. Because she sowed, many could reap.”
She whispered, “Beauty for ashes. Joy for mourning.” Jesus, fixing his gaze on her, took a long pause. He locked this moment away in His heart. Then leaning down eye to eye with her said, “I love your praise, It was worth it. How you begged Me by your longing to draw close, the righteousness that came as I drew near shown from you and changed the faith of millions.” Looking back to the saints He told them of her new name. It meant “beautiful in my eyes.”
Then like a proud father Jesus stated, “Well done My good and faithful servant. Enter into My beauty.” She paused and with sober determination she stepped back, kneeled, and laid her crown at His feet. “You’re the reason for it all! I am nothing! Without you, I am only incomplete.” The air of heaven grew rich with the love of eternity. Jesus, moved by the hand of devotion, called out, “Come, receive your treasure!” With that He reached out and she partook of the greatest treasure of heaven, the hug of Jesus.
Gal 5:6 All is VAIN except FAITH DISPLAYING ITSELF in LOVE!
Next came a young man full of life and anticipation. Jesus exploded into celebration at the sight of this saint. “I-I-wa-want-ted t-to!” Jesus gently put his fingers over the boy’s lips and then spoke, “Rest your soul,” He began. “He has spoken many words to me,” with a chuckle He turned and crowned Him a king of the King. All heaven cheered as the boy stood awestruck at the glory of Jesus. His heart overflowed with love and adoration. Jesus looked to him saying, “You will not stutter any more.” With that the boy burst into praise, and shouted, “Thank You Lord!” in a clear and distinct voice. The excitement flamed across the people in praise and adoration lifted to King Jesus. As He laughed at the joy on each face, Jesus raised His hand and with a reluctant gesture, settled the crowd saying, “There will be plenty of time for that.”
A hush fell over the crowd and then Jesus proclaimed “He talked to me, all the time. His prayers stirred me, such love!” He stopped to look at the boy. “He helped answer all the need for rain by praying for every dry place: He prayed my Spirit to move by saying”
The boy cut in gazing upon his love, “Thy kingdom come, They will be done.” Jesus, appearing startled by this, said “I have never heard you say it so fast.” He turned back to the crowd. “It took him hours to say that. One time he longed for the lost and in seven words laid the foundation for the Great Awakening.”
“You were my friend and I knew You could help,” the boy exclaimed. “I knew You would be patient with me, for I know You loved me.”
Jesus’ eyes swelled with tears once again. “You never once asked for a cure, never did you take the time to pray for yourself. You would spend days not eating just to talk. So joyful, you never knew your hunger.”
“You fed me and filled me up!” Jesus marveled at his child-like faith. “So full you were bubbling over with the joy and peace I gave. All scoffers and mockers did lay hold of you and tormented you, but you never let your tongue be used for evil.” The boy with tears muttered, “Your joy was my strength!”
Jesus began to wipe the tears away and told the saints of a time when the boy had cried out to Him for a woman he didn’t know. She was very sick and his heart was heavy for her. So he prayed through the night trying feverishly to get the name of that sickness over his fumbling tongue. “Why didn’t you just say heal her?” Jesus declared in a desperate tone.
The boy shrunk back, “You said be specific!” A deep laugh came from the belly of Jesus. “It was answered the minute you said Amen.”
“It was!!?” He said in astonishment.
“She also stands here now because of that prayer.” Jesus motioned to the sea of people pointing to a woman in the front. She stood with hands clasped at her heart as she mouthed the words “thank you.” The boy’s face gave off a humble twitch as he smiled and shyly said, “You’re welcome.”
Smiling, Jesus spoke, “That prayer had me almost in knots. His perseverance showed his measure of faith, and if I could have I would have come for him then. Beloved I love you all with the same love, but none has touched my heart like this little one.” To him, He lovingly said, “Great is your reward. Enter into my beauty.” In that moment the boy went to a familiar position, and as the name that once had come so hard now rolled off his tongue as smooth as it had his heart, he cast down his crown with a warrior’s cry shouting, “The Lamb of God is worthy and worthy to be praised!” Heaven’s assembly erupted again in agreement as he arose to claim the greatest Gift to ever be given to man — the embrace of Christ.
And the last shall be first and the first shall be last.
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