ChosenRebel's Blog

Weekend Musings

“A man is what he is on his knees before God, and nothing more.”
Robert Murray M’Cheyne

I have been doing some biographical research on Robert Murray M’Cheyne (1813-1843), the Scottish pastor who died at the age of 29 and left a remarkable legacy of depth, and wisdom, and passion for God that continues to influence the world 165 years after his short but bright life. Yesterday, I ran across the quote above that I post on Facebook and have been haunted by since. Haunted. Mesmerized. Challenged. Convicted, Humbled. They all apply.

My friend John Nunnikhoven, who leads a prison church in Vermont commented briefly on something else I posted Friday from M’Cheyne’s life with the question “If this does not bring me to my knees in shame–What will?“

Doubly convicted, I left my office and went home to do exactly that—to seek the face of God and repent of any sin that the brightness of his glory would reveal. When I went to be at 12:04 AM God still wasn’t done with me. Sleep came slow and then was pointless. I got up at 4:30 AM to listen for the voice of God in the pages of his word. It was a good time of prayer but I am still haunted.

I hope, no, I pray I never stop being haunted by these words.

“A man is what he is on his knees before God, and nothing more.” Robert Murray M’Cheyne

“Oh God, help me to follow you like M’Cheyne. Don’t let me be satisfied with anything less than you. For the glory of Christ in and through my life, I ask it. Amen.”