«I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me» (Galatians 2:20).
HE WAS ONLY THIRTY YEARS OLD, and Albert Schweitzer already had a doctorate in philosophy and a doctorate in theology. In addition, he was considered one of the best organists in Europe. A whole universe of possibilities opened up to him when, surprisingly, Schweitzer announced that he would study medicine.
Study medicine? To what end? For the purpose of dedicating his life to helping people in need in Africa. As William Barclay writes, by the time he made his decision, Schweitzer was the rector of Theological College of Strasbourg, lived comfortably, and had before him the prospect of a brilliant career as a professor of theology. In addition, he had studied music under the direction of the French composer Charles Marie Widor; and was recognized as an authority on the performance of Bach’s music.
However, Schweitzer preferred to leave everything behind and take the road that would take him to Lambaréné, Gabon, where he built a hospital and for decades provided care to thousands of patients and hundreds of lepers. The scope of his philanthropic work earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952.
For those of us who live in the twenty-first century, nothing Schweitzer did seems to make sense. But it made sense to him! So, when asked why he had decided to give up his career to become a missionary in Africa, he said, «I did it for Him.»
He did it out of love for Christ. What for the world was «foolishness» (l Corinthians 2: 14), for Schweitzer was the most natural thing. He had to do something, even if it was small, in gratitude to the One who had done so much for him.
Like the apostle Paul, all that was at one time gain for Schweitzer, paled in comparison before the supreme privilege of knowing Christs love.
«For the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ,» Paul said (Philippians 3:8). «Christs love can ‘sweep a person away,’ » Schweitzer said, «and put them in a position to lead a whole new life.»
What happens when the love of Christ takes over a person’s heart? This is what happens: «It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me» (Galatians 2:20).
That’s right. And all out of love for Him!
Dear Jesus, please take over my heart.
Establish Your throne there, starting today until eternity.
#AdultsDevotional
#RadioJovenAdventista
#MeditacionesDiarias
Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
