On that date in the church at Berthelsdorf in Saxony the Herrnhut community came together for a special holy communion celebration. As Zinzendorf began a prayer of confession at 10am. the pregnant heavens over Herrnhut finally burst open and the power and glory of God descended on the assembled people. The Spirit of God came like a wind storm; mighty, rushing irresistible. The Love and Holiness of God [my emphasis] touched them like a fire stream: heart-warming, dangerous, and life -branding.
Taken from The Lord of the Ring, by Phil. Anderson [24-7 Titles]
Earlier in the year the community had been riven by internal division, and the young Count as the lord of the manor, had to exert leadership and courage, implementing a document of 'Manorial Injunctions and Prohibitions', swiftly followed by a 'Brotherly Union and Compact'. By mid June the community was a place of civic harmony and order as everyone had agreed to be obedient to the 'rules'.
Jesus gave the disciples a new commandment at the last supper. 'As I have loved you, you must love each other.' Love had to be restored to the Herrnhut community before God could proceed with His plans for them. At the Father's heart is community, flowing from His love for us. Jesus commanded us to love each other so people would see that we are His disciples. We need true repentance in this area before we can see what God has for the 21st. centry chuch, and what He has for the world.
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