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This week, visiting Moody Bible Institute I popped into its museum, with the life-size figure of D.L. Moody in full flow. Underneath were his two favorite Scripture verses:
2 Chron. 16:9 "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."
And John 3:30: "He must become greater; I must become less."
What a challenging choice! Verses in tandem - one about God and one about himself. First, a promise about the all-seeing Lord, who looks out for ways to strengthen committed followers. (Mind you, the verse's second part speaks judgment to an enraged king for doing "a foolish thing and from now on you will be at war." God really does see the whole picture - there's no fooling him).
Second, a verse for himself, affirming the preacher's need for humility. How easily a Christian leader's growing influence and status can obscure Jesus Christ Himself?
Moody continually combined this big picture of God with a small humble picture of himself. How's that for the right dual perspective? Big on God, small on me! It's made me rethink my perspective- perhaps you too?
This website belongs to Michael Quicke, C.W. Koller Professor of Preaching at Northern Seminary, Lombard, Illinois. As author, itinerant preacher and church observer, he will keep readers abreast of insights along his journey.
2 comments:
Michael ,
I appreciated your perspective of the two verses in tandem. Moody's heart for people is unbelieveable. But I can not help but believe. The Holy Spirit empowered him to be effective for the kingdom.
The verses that D. L. Moody took as his own (2 Chron. 16:9 and John 3:30) are an encouragement as well as a rebuke depending on where one is spiritually day by day so they are good verses for a lifetime. They would be appropriate throughout all seasons of life. God is good always and pursuit of a relationship with Him is better than anything else we might pursue in this world.
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