Remember those black and white portraits in our history textbooks–those figures posed stiffly with expressionless faces? They looked more like statues than real people. In fact, they appeared downright bored, didn’t they?
Take A.B. Simpson here.
Albert Benjamin Simpson (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
He looks the part of a serious preacher, which he was. Reverend Simpson was also a theologian and prolific author. He wrote 101 books, numerous hymns, periodicals, articles, and even complete curriculums.
Oh. And he founded a denomination. A rather impressive list of accomplishments. No wasting time for Albert.
But A.B. did much more than sit in a book-lined office with stacks of research everywhere. While pastoring a prestigious church in New York City, God laid a special call upon his heart–to establish a church specifically for the immigrants pouring into the city. A.B. felt burdened for the poor, homeless, sick and displaced.
Yet his dream did not stop there. Albert wondered how he could reach people overseas who did not yet know Jesus. And one thing began to lead to another. He gathered like-minded people together that led to Sunday afternoon meetings, which became revivals along the East Coast. And The Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination was born.
From the soul of such an impassioned, focused, persevering man came these warm-hearted words:
Let us but feel that
He has His heart set upon us,
that He is watching us from those heavens
with tender interest,
that He is following us day by day
as a mother follows her babe
in his first attempt to walk alone,
that He has set His love upon us,
and in spite of ourselves
is working out for us
His higher will and blessing,
as far as we will let Him –
and then nothing can discourage us.
–A. B. Simpson (1843-1919)
Knowing that A.B. gave his life in selfless service, I find his words all the more meaningful. Surely he felt God’s heart set upon him and following close during his many endeavors, that his Heavenly Father was working things out–in spite of himself. Not just minimal sustenance, but for God’s higher will and blessing.
I like that. Those words “higher will and blessing” hold hope and excitement for what’s to come for each of us, as God’s plan unfolds indefinitely until we meet him face to face.
I’m with A.B; I want nothing to hold me back. No doubt you feel the same.
* * * * * * * * * *
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for introducing me to A.B. Simpson today. I love this quote that highlights your compassionate love, your desire to use us, and even bless us. May I be mindful of your watchfulness, and then nothing can discourage me.
Read Full Post »
From the Inside Out 