And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16
“In Europe, a Countess with close friends among kings, emperors and princes, famous for her brilliant gifts and witty conversation, found that none of her amusements and recreations satisfied her any longer. A humble Moravian shoemaker came into her presence and she was struck with his remarkable cheerfulness. She asked him why he was so happy and he replied that ‘Jesus has forgiven my sins. He forgives me every day and He loves me and that makes me happy through all the hours.’ The Countess thought about that and began to pray. Conviction led her into the same joyful faith and she became a great witness for Christ among titled people.”
Whilst I cannot locate the names of the characters, savor this scene between the Countess and the Moravian Shoemaker that I located when researching Nicolaus Zinzendorf and the Moravians this morning.
About a half century before Martin Luther, Jan “John” Hus sparked the first protestant church movement in Bohemia and Moravia, urging people to live out their faith like early church. The faith of the Moravians spread far and wide.
The good news of forgivenes of sins through Jesus Christ not only results in contagious happiness. It positions us to be generous. Though the Countess was known for her gifts, the shoemaker gave the greatest gift that day.
When this posts I will be attending the European Great Commission Collaboration Prague Summit 2022. As I get to know the group, it’s just a bunch of countesses and shoemakers celebrating the greatest gift and considering how to share it.
God infect us with contagious happiness for generously sharing the good news of forgiveness of sins.