For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.  – Galatians 1:13

I’ve been doing some research on the foundation of the Methodist Church.  I knew very little of it save the fact that it had a lot to do with John Wesley.  I’m only about 10 hours invested as I write this, but I found a story I hope I never forget.

John Wesley was almost killed twice.  The first was when he was five years old and his house caught on fire.  Everyone was safe outside except for John.  There was no way inside and John was on the second floor unable to get out.  A man stood on another man’s shoulders and saved his life.  John’s mother amped up the spiritual significance of him being snatched from the fire and taught him about God with even more fervor . . . a lesson he never forgot.    

Work conditions were horrid the second time John was almost killed.  He had been kicked out of many churches simply because he preached that every person was a sinner saved by grace.  Church people didn’t like being associated with sinners.  This makes me wonder how accepting modern Methodist churches would be of John Wesley today.  Because he wasn’t allowed in the churches, John would “open-air” preach to any and all would listen.  He especially loved the working class.  

As more and more people got saved under John’s preaching, they were less and less willing to risk their lives for money.  People took on the attitude that God would provide.  This infuriated businessmen who no longer had an abundance of cheap labor willing to work in terrible conditions.  One particular man hired a hitman to kill John Wesley.  When the hitman found John, he had planned to rob him first.  He was angry when he saw that John had very little money.  John simply told him, “My treasure is in heaven.”  The man was even more frustrated at John’s lack of fear while being beaten and threatened with death.  With a calm and confident demeanor, John told his would be assassin that God had a much better life for him to live.  The man found himself unable to murder John Wesley.

Years later, a man dressed very respectably approached John and asked him if he remembered almost being robbed and killed.  When John said yes, the man told him about how God had dealt with his heart and now he was saved and living for the Lord.  Both men enjoyed telling that story throughout their lives.

Lord, put it in our hearts to really live out a life that pleases You.  If we simply could not care less about material possessions and we were perfectly fearless in our walk with You, how many lives would be changed?  I know this is easier said than done, but with You all things are possible.  Help all who read this fall in love with You a little bit more and follow You a little bit closer.  Thank You for men and women in the past who light the way for us in the future.  Amen