Zinzendorf also loved art. One day he visited the Dusseldorf Gallery in Germany and saw a painting that gripped his soul. God used that painting to call him to a deeper commitment. The painting was of the crucifixion of Jesus. God used the painting moving him deeply as he stared at it reflectively. Over the painting was written these words in Latin, "Hoc feci pro te; Quid faci pro me?" The English translation is, "This I have done for you, what have you done for Me?"
The statement and picture burned into his soul like a hot branding iron on cowhide. Right there he resolved to use his life and resources in service for Jesus. What did that mean?
He later encouraged a religious refugee group to establish a settlement in land he owned in Saxony. Those religious refugees were the Moravians who had been harassed and forced to resettle many times. The Moravians had been persecuted for generations. Many killed. Many imprisoned. They suffered for their Christian faith.
They found a home in Saxony. Sadly the community was deeply divided by 1727, as can prone to happen among God's people. They argued over Bible doctrine to the point of openly criticizing one another publicly. Some doubted the community would survive the deep divide.
Zinzendorf heard about the division and chose to get involved leading the people to make a covenant. He wanted there to be harmony in the new found community. While the adults signed a covenant of peace, it did not change their hearts and feelings toward one another.
That is until August 13,1727 in a communion service. God showed up and moved in marvelous fashion. Historians reported the Holy Ghost showed up and moved powerfully. Following that service the hunger for God's word so increased that they had daily meetings to study God's word at 5:00 a.m., 7:30 a.m., and at 9:00 p.m. Please note this took place everyday for a season.
Convinced that God's visitation came in response to increased prayer, a group took turns praying around the clock everyday. That began on August 27, 1727 and went on continuously for over 100 years! For over a century you could find one or more Moravians keeping up that same prayer movement that began in 1727.
Think about it. It all began in an art gallery with a man viewing a piece of art. A piece of art that Gid used to move him, lead him to establish a community for berated Moravians, moved him to promote peace among them that eventually brought revival. That revival fueled a prayer meeting that lasted over a century.
I do not know who painted that piece of art Zinzendorf saw. I don't imagine the artist had any idea what a profound impact that painting would have on the world. Only God knows the implications and answers to that continuous prayer meeting on history.
You never know how God will use your efforts. Keep painting. Keep writing. Keep singing. Keep preaching. Keep promoting peace. Keep following God's leadership. Keep doing work. You may never know how God will use that work for His glory until eternity.
Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
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