October 2, 2021

Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14b

Now the queen of England was a Bohemian princess who had been converted by the writings and Bible translation of John Wycliffe. Through her influence, Wycliffe’s works were being widely circulated in Bohemia. John Huss read these works with great interest but knew not at this time he had stepped upon a path leading him away from Rome. At the very same time, a pair of English preachers were providentially sent to Bohemia to share the Light of Life. They were quickly silenced by authorities dispatched from Rome. Not to be deterred from their mission, they resorted to another gift they had been given by God, for both were artists. In a public place they displayed two works of art. One depicted Jesus entering Jerusalem (as described in Matthew 21:5) lowly and sitting on a donkey followed by His disciples in travel-worn garments and bare feet. The other portrayed a magnificent pontifical procession—the pope adorned in rich robes and triple crown, preceded by trumpeters and followed by prelates and cardinals all in dazzling array. This silent sermon arrested the attention of all classes. Crowds gazed, as the clear and unmistakable message pierced the very atmosphere of Prague. Even though the missionary artists were forced to flee, the lesson they taught was not forgotten. Huss was among those profoundly impressed, and his response of deeper Bible study awakened him to the reality of the corruption within the hierarchy of the church. The commotion caused by the drawings even reverberated into Germany, for hundreds of German students at the University of Prague, many of whom had received their first knowledge of the Bible from Huss, withdrew. Their return rendered Germany awash with a refreshing wave of pure gospel preaching in its simplicity.

The news of all these things sprouted legs and ran straight to Rome. Soon Huss was summoned to appear before the pope. The eyes of Huss were now wide open, and he knew that to obey this summons meant certain death. (more on Huss tomorrow…)

Jesus said, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”  John 6:37,40