Theologian Derek W.H. Thomas tells a story of Hugh Latimer
(1487-1555), bishop of Worcester in England.
Latimer once preached a sermon before King Henry VIII. The king was not pleased with Latimer’s
sermon and demanded that he preach again the next Sunday in order to issue an apology
for offending the king. Below is a
section of Latimer’s “apology” he gave the following Sunday. The wording has been changed from Old English
to a more modern translation for clarity.
“Hugh Latimer, do you know before whom you are this day to
speak? To the high and mighty monarch, the
king’s most excellent majesty, who can take away your life, if you offend
him. Therefore, take care that you speak
not a word that may displease. But then
consider well, Hugh, do you not know from where you come – upon Whose message
you are sent? Even by the great and
mighty God, Who is all-present and Who beholds all your ways and Who is able to
cast your soul into hell! Therefore,
take care that you deliver your message faithfully.”
“Latimer then preached the same sermon he had preached the
preceding Sunday – and with considerably more energy” (Thomas). Years later he was burned at the stake by the
daughter of Henry VIII, Queen Mary, for his stance on the truth of the gospel
message.
In Acts 25 and 26, Paul finds himself again giving his defense
before someone in power. This time it is
King Agrippa and his wife who have come to hear the words of Paul. Paul stands firm in speaking the truth of the
gospel message and boldly calls Agrippa out to believe. Do Paul’s words stir Agrippa to faith in
Christ?
As disciples of Christ, do we have the same boldness as Paul or
Hugh Latimer? Are we willing to speak
the truth of the gospel message and God’s work in our life no matter the
consequences? This sinful world and the
dark forces of the enemy are constantly on guard to attempt to diminish the work
and glory of God in His people, the church.
It is in moments such as Hugh Latimer found himself that the church
rises up. Not on their own strength, but
on the strength of the One who is their Father.
May we this week be prayerfully prepared to hear the Word of God
and welcome the Spirit to change our hearts to become more like His.
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