False Teaching and Division in Herrnhut
His (Johannes Sigismund) messages were so persuasive that many settlers were deceived by his false accusations, including Christian David, the first Moravian settler. As a result, David, a leader in Herrnhut, and Rothe, the pastor of the Berthelsdorf church, spoke hatefully about each other. As Krüger’s messages increased in fanaticism, it became obvious that he was mentally deranged; he was arrested and eventually committed to an asylum in Berlin. But a great deal of damage had already been done. Saddened by the reports of the spiritual dissension among the Christian believers, twenty-seven-year-old Zinzendorf, took a leave of absence from the Saxony court; he and Erdmuthe, with their newborn daughter Benigna, hastened home to Herrnhut. (Their firstborn son had died two years earlier within months of his birth)
A Forgiveness Meeting
On May 12, 1727, the youthful but determined Zinzendorf stood in front of the three hundred residents of Hernhut. Reading from the Scriptures, he reminded them of Jesus’ final prayer for His disciples: That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (John 17:21) Ludwig preached passionately on the goal of Christian unity-that they might all be one in Christ. He reminded the Moravians of their commitment to the simple faith of the earlier United Brethren.
The Brotherly Union and Compact
In the end, Zinzendorf, the “lord” of the estate, made clear that every member of Herrnhut must pursue brotherly love in Christ in order to remain on his land. He asked them to sign a “Brotherly Union and Compact” to live together in Christian peace. Ludwig signed the pact first, followed by Christian David, and then the other Hermhut settlers. The conviction of the Holy Spirit moved among the people as Zinzendorf spoke that morning. When the three-hour meeting came to a close, the Christian disciples stood and extended outstretched hands to one another in peace. Soon after, John Rothe approached Christian David and forgave him for his relationship with Johannes Krüger.
Unity Restored and Preparation for Revival
During that summer of 1727, brotherly love was restored on the Berthelsdorf estate, and twelve elders were chosen as leaders in the community. “The whole place,” said Zinzendorf, “represented a visible tabernacle of God among men.” God was preparing Zinzendorf and the Moravian Brethren for an anointed move of the Holy Spirit.
To be continued…
Tale Tuesday 108
Date: 17th December, 2024
Title: : COUNT NIKOLAUS LUDWIG VON ZINZENDORF (The Founder of The Moravian Community) (Part 5)
Source: God’s generals- The Missionaries
Author: Roberts Liardon
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