President Theodore Roosevelt addressing crowd from the back of a train in 1903
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After serving as a missionary in Africa for many years, Henry C. Morrison (1857-1942) became sick and had to return to America. He happened to travel on the same ship as President Theodore Roosevelt, who was returning from a hunting expedition in Africa where he had shot a number of wild hogs.
On the dock at New York thousands cheered. Whom would you say they cheered? Of course they cheered the killer of hogs, who was also president of the United States. No one was interested in the man who had saved souls.
Then Morrison and Roosevelt traveled in the same train. On the train station platform, there again were thousands cheering Roosevelt, and no one cheering Morrison.
An evangelist is human. Resentment seized Henry Morrison and he turned to God in anger, “I have come back home after all this time and service to the church and there is no one, not even one person here to welcome me home.”
Then a still small voice came to Morrison and said, “But Henry, you’re not home yet.”
Miserable are Christians who hope for recognition in this world for doing what is right. Let us wait for our full reward in heaven.
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I Corinthians 4:1-5 — Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God.
Hebrews 11:13 — All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.
Revelation 14:12 — This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.
James 1:12 — Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Matthew 25:21 — His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant… Come and share your master’s happiness.”
II Timothy 4:8 — Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day— and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
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O Lord, grant us always, whatever the world may say, to content ourselves with what thou wilt say, and to care only for thine approval, which will outweigh all words.
–General Charles George Gordon, British Army (1833-1885)
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Keep us, Lord, so awake in the duties of our calling that we may sleep in thy peace and wake in thy glory.
–John Donne, English poet and pastor (1572-1631)
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