Jesus Is the Light of the World - PART 153

The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great LIGHT. In this context, Jesus is the light of the world. So the Puritans arrive in the Americas and the Friends tagged along. One would think that the Puritans would refrain from persecuting others having themselves tasted persecution at the hands of religious zealots. But such was not the case. They could dish out persecution upon any who would dare to challenge their cemented beliefs. It sort of reminds one of the exodus from Egypt. No sooner were they delivered from bondage than in their heart’s they desired to return. Reluctantly, they went on in their travels, going around in circles wandering in a desert place. At the same time, instead of faith arising, their foolish hearts became harder. In their midst, were some faithful.

The same could be attributed to the Puritans who seem to have adopted some of the traits of their former persecutors. Whilst in their midst were the Friends. The Friends desired a new land where the Christ child in the womb of the earth could receive nourishment from the sincere milk of the Word of God. A place free from persecution. Unfortunately, it appears that not all the puritans had the same vision. The Friends sought a place where all men by God’s Grace may be permitted to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. The Friends desirous that this new land would flourish, by the preaching of God’s Word and by the praising of God’s name (JESUS)

As we move along we will find that the more they preached the Word of God, the more they endured the fuel of persecution! Still, while words may hurt, words that stimulate an alternative viewpoint do not kill. New Testament teachings advocate Love. Love God and love your neighbour as yourself. Still there are times when persecution causes believers to move along in life which the Friend’s did. They looked for a city which had foundations whose builder and maker is God. And in the event that this new land had at that moment no such city, then they would endeavour to lay a corner stone and a foundation for that city. That rock foundation is the Word of God spoken through the Mouth of the Lord Jesus -- the Christ which were the words of the eternal Spirit of God, who has said that no other foundation can man lay. All other ground alas is sinking sand.

The friends were the framers of the not yet common constitution. They had a vision. They had looked over the mountain top ... for truly in God they did surely trust. Remember the Protestant ethic? Hard work. Thrift and discipline. Like these folks, the scriptures encourage us too to go into all the world preaching the Word of God both in season and out of season. Jesus the Prince of Peace! Jesus the King of kings. Lord, where else can anyone go? You alone Lord have the words of eternal life.

Find out for yourself. Read your Bible and ask the Saviour of all men (JESUS) into your heart today!