October 1, 2021
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:52
The four areas of human growth: mental, physical, spiritual, and social are exemplified for us in the life of Jesus. They are intertwined, and if one area suffers the rest also suffer. All four are to be lifelong pursuits for each of us as individuals and for the church as a whole—in order to be well-rounded and complete (see 1 Corinthians 12:25-27).
Passages of Scripture such as Malachi 3:5 and James 1:27 reveal the Lord’s tender heart for orphans and widows. Evidence of His watchcare over a believing fourteenth century Bohemian mother who was widowed is a choice example. She surely must have prayed Luke 2:52 over her son, Jan Hus (anglicized as John Huss). Godly fear and a sound education were among the most valuable of possessions to her, and she wanted these things for her son. At college age, John was received as a “charity scholar” at the University of Prague. On the way to the city, she knelt beside her fatherless young man and beseeched on his behalf the blessings of their Heavenly Father. God honored the prayers of this dear widow for her orphaned son.
As a sincere adherent to the Roman faith, John led a blameless life. His gentle ways and academic success won favor and esteem on every front. After college he entered the priesthood and soon was serving in the court of the king. He was also elevated to professorial status, then rector at the University of Prague. The humble “charity scholar” had become the pride of Bohemia and his name was renowned throughout Europe. He was appointed preacher of the Chapel of Bethlehem in Prague, whose founder had advocated preaching of the Word of God in the language of the people, even though Rome forbade this practice. Compliance with Rome meant the services had not been consistently presented in Bohemian. This had a diminishing effect on church attendance and a great ignorance of the Bible prevailed. Among people of all ranks were found the worst of vices. Rather than judge them (see Matthew 7:1), Huss simply denounced these evils, using God’s Word in the language of the people in order to instruct and win them to the principles of purity he had found therein. Droves of people were attracted to the clear presentation of the Bible. And Huss prayed for his listeners, after the example of Jesus.
Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. Luke 23:34
The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble. Proverbs 4:19
The humble demeanor of John Huss had a drawing effect on all kinds of people to hear the Word of the Lord. Huss trusted Jesus—who sees every man’s heart—to sort them out later. Many repentant souls came to love the Savior and live for Him!
Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Matthew 5:8