COUNT NIKOLAUS LUDWIG VON ZINZENDORF (The Founder of The Moravian Community) (Part 9)

A Shared Call to the Mission Field

When he told his friend, Tobias Leopold, of his desire to go to St. Thomas, Leopold admitted to having the same call in his spirit. Together, they approached Zinzendorf and the elders of Herrnhut with their desire to go to the mission field. On July 29, 1731, Ulrich arrived at Herrnhut to speak to the Brethren on the plight of the abused slaves of the West Indies. He longed to see them set free in Christ. But, Ulrich warned them, they would have to work to gain the trust of the island slaves.

Choosing by the Lot

Throughout his life, Zinzendorf strongly believed in “the lot” as God’s way of leading His people whenever the Scriptures did not give clear direction in a matter. The lot was an ancient way of making decisions by drawing one slip of paper out of a collection of them, or by casting down stones or marbles.

Biblical Foundation for the Lot

Ludwig based his belief on Acts 1:24–26, when the apostles used the lot to choose a disciple to replace the betrayer, Judas Iscariot. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these two thou hast chosen, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Trusting God’s Direction

Ludwig chose to use the lot because he questioned the motives of his own heart and the hearts of others in making spiritual decisions. For each serious decision, he and the elders prayed fervently and then left it to the Lord through the lot. Calls to service were decided by the lot, as well as missionary destinations, the annual “watchwords,” and even marriages. “Once the Lot had been consulted, the decision was absolute and binding.” The Moravians would continue the lot until it was abolished in 1818.

To be continued…

Tale Tuesday 112

Date:  14th January , 2024
Title: :  COUNT NIKOLAUS LUDWIG VON ZINZENDORF (The Founder of The Moravian Community) (Part 9)
Source:  God’s generals- The Missionaries
Author: Roberts Liardon