AVIZANDUM: My Hero of the Faith

Avizandam In Scots law, this term describes the careful consideration given by the judge before an important decision. Join me each week as we explore various topics from a spiritual perspective and take matters. Avise endum On the recommendation of a friend, When I was in my early twenties, I bought the book The Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray McShane. It's written by Andrew Bonner. I still have it in my library.

and it is one of my books to which I frequently turn. It will surprise no one that Robert Murray McSheen was Scottish. He was born in eighteen thirteen and died in eighteen forty three. We both attended Edinburgh University in Scotland, obviously not at the same time. Although he died as a young man, he left an indelible imprint not only in Scotland, but throughout the world.

To read his biography peruse his sermons, and reflect on his hymns and poetry, is a great joy and encouragement. McShane was described as one of the holiest men in Scotland. On his deathbed he cried, Live for eternity He went on to say, a few days more. and their journey is done. His preaching was characterized by many things.

but primarily by His Holiness. his love for our Lord Jesus, and his urgency as he pleaded for people to repent and believe in our Saviour. In our age of what has been called delayed adolescence, We sometimes describe men in their twenties as kids. Robert Murray McShane was no kid. When he was in his twenties, maturity came from his great love of the scriptures.

His daily prayer life, his call to Christian ministry, and the surrender of his life. to Jesus Christ.

So McShane has been an encouragement to me for many years. I've used his scripture reading plan to guide me in my Bible reading for many years. As a pastor, I've often thought of his comment. That the greatest gift ministers of the gospel can give to their congregations is their holy life. McShane undoubtedly was a holy man, and stands for me as one of the champions of the faith.

I think he must be in that cloud of witnesses who encourage us to run the race with endurance. The race that is set before us. looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith. That's Hebrews 12. McShane strongly believed that God blesses not so much our great talents.

by their likeness to Jesus. I learned my love of poetry from my mother and also from some of my teachers of English literature. I particularly love this poem of MacShane, entitled I am a debtor. It has nine stanzas, but I'm only going to read three. Even if you don't like poetry, listen to these great truths written by McShane when he was 24 years old.

Here it is. when this passing world is done, when has sunk yon glaring sun. When we stand with Christ in glory, looking o'er life's finished story, then, Lord. Shall I fully know? Not till then how much I owe.

When I stand before the throne, dressed in beauty not my own, When I see thee as thou art, love thee with unsinning heart. Their Lord. Shall I fully know? Not till then. How much?

I hope Chosen not for good in me. Wakened up from wrath to flee, hidden in the Saviour's side, By the Spirit. Sanctified. Teach me, Lord, on earth to show By my love how much I owe. Alexander.

You're listening to the weekly Avizandam podcast from The Verdict, featuring Pastor John Monroe. John is Senior Pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listen to John's daily program, The Verdict, on broadcast radio or major podcast platforms. For more information about the Verdict Ministry, visit us online at calfreychurch.com slash the verdict.