February 14, 2023
Tuesday
The Blacksmith’s Advice
Colossians 1:24-29
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”
One of Finland’s most unusual preachers was Paavo Ruotsalainen, who was born into a poor family in 1777 and became a farmer. As a young man, he sought a deeper Christian life. Hearing about a distant blacksmith known for his godliness, Ruotsalainen traveled many miles to meet him, begging for food and lodging along the way. As they conversed, the blacksmith, Jacob Hogman, told the lad he lacked an inner awareness of Christ. From that point, Ruotsalainen focused on the truth of Christ within him—the hope of glory. In the years that followed, he traveled incessantly throughout Finland, sparking revival in many areas. It’s said he traveled more miles in Finland than the apostle Paul covered in all his missionary journeys.1
Take it from the blacksmith. To have peace and power in our lives, we must focus our minds on Christ and saturate them with His Word. Colossians 3:1-2 says, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above.”
Christ in you—the hope of glory!
A point to ponder…
One thing you lack and therewith you lack all else: the inner awareness of Christ.
Jacob Hogman
Read the Bible through in a year
I love you!!!
1Siglind Bruhn, Saints in the Limelight (Hillsdale, NY: Pendragon Press, 2003), 305-307.
© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich