Following the stranger of Galilee

“...A vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work” (2 Tim 2:21)

John Wesley, classical scholar gifted with a virile mind, gave himself fully to God and consecrated all his powers to His service. Although possessed of a scholar’s love for books, he spent most of his life in the saddle and in the active duties of a most strenuous life. With a passionate love for art, especially for music and architecture, he turned away from their charms to blow the gospel trumpet with all his might.

With a more-than-ordinary longing for the sweets and comforts of human love, he arose above disappointments which would have crushed ordinary men, forgot his “inly-bleeding heart” (his own expression), and gave himself unreservedly to the work of binding up the brokenhearted. Visiting the beautiful grounds of an Eng­lish nobleman, he said, “I, too, have a ravish for these things—but there is another world!” John Wesley followed a Homeless Stranger —the Stranger of Galilee.

If Thou dost need a hand today

To clasp another hand on life’s rough way;

Take mine, dear Lord, take mine.

If Thou art needing feet to tread In paths where sin to woe is wed;

Use mine, dear Lord, use mine.

If thou art needing lips today For words that help and heal, to say;

Fill mine, dear Lord, fill mine.

If Thou art needing eyes to see When souls begin to stray from Thee;

Fit mine, dear Lord, fit mine.

But cleanse, dear Lord, and purify,

And then each talent sanctify;

Of mine, dear Lord, of mine.

—M.E.K.

“The placing of the Cross on Simeon’s shoulders glorified his whole career.” — F.N.B.

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