The Moravians’ Cry: May the Lamb Receive His Reward!

Two Moravian Missionaries Story

A long time ago, there was an island far away in the West Indies where a man owned 2,000 to 3,000 slaves. This man didn’t believe in God and said, “No preacher or church person will ever stay here. If they get stuck on my island, I’ll keep them away from everyone and they can’t talk about God. I don’t want to hear about it!” The slaves on this island were brought from Africa and lived there without ever learning about Jesus.

Rich Man with many Slaves in West Indies

Two young men from Germany, who were part of a group called the Moravians, heard about these slaves. They were only in their 20s, but they cared so much about the slaves that they decided to do something very brave.

Two Moravians burned when they heard about the slaves

They sold themselves to the island’s owner, just like slaves, and used the money to pay for their trip to the island. The owner wouldn’t even help them get there.

Two young Men selling themselves as a slaves to the Rich man

Their friends and family from their Moravian community in a place called Herrnhut came to say goodbye. They knew the two young men would never come back because they had chosen to live as slaves forever to help the people on the island learn about God’s love. Everyone was sad and crying. Some wondered if this big sacrifice was the right thing to do.

Friends and family Farewell at Sea

As the ship started to sail away, the ropes were untied and left on the dock. The gap between the ship and the shore grew bigger. The two young men stood together, held hands, raised them up, and shouted loudly, "May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering!" 

The Moravian Missionaries’ Cry at Farewll 

The two young men understood something very special. They weren’t going to the island just to help the slaves or to be praised for doing something good. They didn’t want a reward. What they truly cared about was Jesus. They knew that Jesus loved everyone so much—even them—that He died on the cross to take the punishment for everyone’s sins. They believed that because Jesus gave His life for people, He deserved their love in return. They wanted the slaves to know Jesus and love Him too. That would be the reward Jesus deserved for all He had done.

This shout became the special words of the Moravian missions. It reminds us why they did this: to share God’s love so that Jesus, who is called the Lamb, would be honored for all He did.

~ Paris Reidhead ~

Source: http://www.heavenreigns.com/pdf/ten_shekels.pdf