Face Like Flint
Face
Like Flint
Yesterday was the 172 anniversary of the death of Adoniram Judson (1788-1850). Judson was the first Protestant missionary from North America to work in the country of Burma, modern-day Myanmar. A contemporary and friend of William Cary, the guy had an incredible tenacity in pursuit of Christ's mission. Upon arriving in Calcutta, India, before he would eventually go to Burma, he lost the support of his sending agency rendering him without the support he would need to survive until a new sending society was formed and took up his cause. He labored in Burma the rest of his life. When he did return to the United states, the man could hardly speak English any more. So devoted to getting the gospel into the Burmese language, he compiled a dictionary of the language, something that did not exist for the Burmese people prior to his work. Even so, much of his work was destroyed more than once and he was forced to begin again. He buried two wives in Burma due to the strain of living in such a harsh environment. He was imprisoned for a number of years when England went to war against Burma. He and his few converts were persecuted terribly. In 1850 he became so sick he boarded a ship, hoping the sea air would help him recover. Unfortunately he died at sea.
Adoniram had set his face like flint to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Burmese people. A characteristic of Christ himself. Last Sunday we briefly passed through Isaiah 50. There is a description in verse seven of the determination of the obedient servant to do what God has called him to do. But he does it not because he's determined to do his best or even because the thing itself is worth it. He obeys out of confidence in God.
“7 But the Lord God helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like a flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
8 He who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together.
Who is my adversary?
Let him come near to me.
9 Behold, the Lord God helps me;
who will declare me guilty?
Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment;
the moth will eat them up. ”
Jesus set his face like flint toward the cross. He was so convinced of his Father's help, presence, vindication and the eternal ramification of his obedience that the mission was his only view. Forward toward the cross. What astounds me is that in the path of his mission, he served, he loved, he cared, he healed, he preached, he taught. All that he did was in view of that purpose for which he came. Singular focus on the mission of God didn't make him cold, unfeeling, or unapproachable. Instead, he is the most attractive 'character' in all of history.
With Easter coming this week, I wonder how craned our necks are from turning our heads side to side in view of other things? Some shiny things, some 'to-do' things, some entertaining things, even some 'good' things. Could we look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith and run our race in view of the joy set before us (Hebrews 12:1-2)? Could we endure anything, loss or gain, and remain steady focused on Jesus?
It takes a community, bought with the blood of Jesus, filled with the Spirit, invested in God's Word, and lovingly supporting one another. I believe that is this community, Rome International Church. We have a mission to carry the gospel here, without fear of any who would contend with us, because our faces are set like flint toward our great reward, Jesus, the risen Son of God.
Together for His Kingdom,
Loren