Throughout the next few
weeks, this blog will examine certain “snapshots” of D.L. Moody, which I hope
will bring a deeper appreciation for this servant and a greater love for the
God whom he gave his life to.
Many of us know the story of
how D.L. Moody came to know and follow Jesus Christ, but many do not. Here is
the testimony of Moody’s Sunday school teacher, Mr. Edward Kimball:
“I determined to speak to him about Christ and about his soul, and started down to Holton’s shoe store (the place of Moody’s employment). When I was nearly there I began to wonder whether I ought to go in during business hours. But I pushed on finding Moody in the back part of the building wrapping up shoes. I went up to him at once, and putting my hand on his shoulder, I made what I afterwards felt was a very weak plea for Christ. I simply told him of Christ’s love for him and the love Christ wanted in return. That was all there was. It seemed the young man was just ready for the light that then broke upon him, and there, in the back of that store in Boston, he gave himself and his life to Christ.” (p. 41)
Before we glory in the
boldness of this simple Sunday school teacher, let us not forget it is the
gracious and merciful hand of God that lifted the eyes of this darkened soul. But
after we acknowledge His indescribable gift, it is nevertheless a fact that
this Sunday school teacher was unique and therefore worthy of further
examination.
What can we learn from Mr. Kimball?
Mr. Kimball was a gospel-driven Sunday School teacher.
This is what set this man
apart. This is likely what set his Sunday school class apart. His pursuit of
Moody assumes that he had enough “gospel conversations” to know that he needed
Christ. How many teachers unleash bible truths week-after-week, but never pray
for the souls of these children? How many feel such an urgency for the gospel that it couldn't wait until Sunday? Later in his ministry Moody would consistently
challenge his audience to “get one person into Heaven” this week. Just think if
every Sunday school teacher (or every Christian) had that type of “gospel
resolve”, how many more people would come to know Christ? 
Mr. Kimball understood he was
just a sower of seed.
How many of us would resonate
with Mr. Kimball and describe our attempt of sharing the gospel as “feeble” or
“weak”? Yet the parable of Mark 4 brings comfort and confidence to the
Christian who is “on mission”.
Jesus says,
Mark 4:26-27 And He was saying,
"The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; 27
and he goes to bed at night and gets
up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows-- how, he himself does not know.
Mr. Kimble didn’t know.
Neither will you. But again the question is, “Will you sow the seed”?
Below is my “blog rant”:
I have heard some people use
this parable to defend the “non-verbal” approach to evangelism (passing out
tracks, billboard evangelism, etc.). In response to this, I must point out of
few things. First, the obvious point of the parable is the proclamation of the
gospel (and then leaving it to God to change the heart), not the promotion of a certain methodology. Therefore, this cannot be used as a
proof-text for passing out tracks or any other non-verbal approach to
evangelism.
Second, I would caution those
who criticize the approach of “passing out tracks”. My father-in-law (who now
is with Moody in Heaven) would always put a gospel track in with a generous tip
and give both to his waiter / waitress. Of course this was not the only way he
shared the “good news”. He was faithful to proclaim the good news whenever he
could to whomever he could. He was always strategic because he was always
praying specifically and actively looking for opportunities. I guess for me it
comes down to this: “Do you think it is more strategic to pray for the unknown waiter
/ waitress before you arrive at the restaurant and leave a gospel track or try
to have an awkward, compressed “gospel conversation” that often prevents other
patrons from enjoying quality service?”
Now I feel better.
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