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The Lost Gospel |
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In his early ministry, Fox proclaimed that the true ministry and the true witness were lost. What Fox expostulated was that even though people built Churches since the age of the apostles, the Churches severed their direct relationship to Jesus and sought righteousness from the hierarchies of the day instead of communicating with God and His beloved Son. Fox on the other hand searched for God's goodness which he could not find either in the established Church or the prevalent small worship groups. As a result, Fox became depressed and began doubting the power of the Almighty. For that reason, he traveled in the woods accompanied by his Bible whose words he did not comprehend - much to his chagrin. Then one day when he was resting, he heard a voice powerfully proclaim that there is one, even Christ Jesus who could speak to his condition. Needless to say, he experienced great joy. Then Christ opened up the sacred scriptures revealing the essence of God's Truth. Fox understood that he needed to wait on the Lord to be in the condition to receive God's written admonishments. Since God delineated the true worship to him, Fox discerned that the true worship was not for him alone but for a people to be gathered in silence to hear Jesus inwardly teaching His people Himself. Small wonder early Friends were aware of what God expected of them. Because these Friends began listening to God rather than some hireling minister, they received the call to obey God in all matters. Yet while in a state of obedience, they needed to rest in the Lord's love for God to confirm commands. We too must be patient in listening to the Lord preach in our collective hearts. In worship, God reminded early Friends that He needed to raise devoted ministers to encourage newcomers to wait on Him to receive benevolence and understanding. Christ equipped the ministers with the ability to relate to other children of the Almighty with divine kindness. In addition Jesus ordered the ministers to preach the gospel to those souls willing to listen to the promptings of the Lord. Once Fox and other Friends established meetings in the power of the Lord, Jesus moved them to witness in Truth. That is why Quaker merchants were famous for their honesty. Newly formed quarterly meetings on second day offered food and other commodities to needy individuals. These Friends heard God's call to witness. Of course Friends witnessed for peace. Christ forbade them from taking up arms to defend earthly kingdoms. Rather these Friends revealed that Christ taught them to "love their enemies". . . In true Gospel order, the Lord requires us to seek His guidance before undertaking ministry or witnessing to God's Truth. We are not alone. Jesus is with us wherever we are - provided that we wait on Him. The Gospel is not lost.
Arthur Berk |