In 1536, John Calvin had published the first volume of his Institutes of the Christian Religion, which was already a best seller. The printing press had just been invented around 1440, and Calvin was well known for his Protestant ideas. He decided that he should continue writing from the security and serenity of Strausbourg, a safe city for Protestants. He intended to lead a tranquil and comfortable Christian life, unbothered by the strife and filth of the world.
In order to get to Strausbourg, he needed to pass through and spend one night in Geneva. Unfortunately for his plans, but fortunately for the history of the church, he was recognized by Farel, a Protestant leader in Geneva. The Protestants had just secured control of local government in Geneva, but they were fairly uneducated and were without capable leaders. The Catholics were certain to retake leadership and possibly treat the Protestants harshly if the Protestants did not succeed in effectively directing the affairs of the city.
Farel did his best to gently persuade Calvin to stay in Geneva and provide leadership to the Protestants. Farel insisted that people were open to Protestant ideas and this was the time to guide them into clearly understanding the authority of the Scriptures. Calvin was unmoved and adamant on his need to move on to Strausbourg.
Finally, Farel called down curses on Calvin that went something like this: "may God curse your plans for study and comfort and security in Strausbourg if you don't stay here and help the church in its time of need." Calvin was shocked. He had always considered himself to be an academic and a thinker, not a leader and not someone who got his hands dirty in the practical details of moving the hearts and minds of people. Yet, he sensed that God Himself was speaking to him through the words of Farel. Calvin was so shaken that he felt that he could not go on to Strausbourg without holding God in contempt. He would stay in Geneva even if it cost him all of his comfortable plans and even his life.
Calvin's leadership of the Protestant church in Geneva became a foundation for reformed churches across Europe and the world. God blessed Calvin's surrender to His call and honored Farel for boldly speaking the truth.
We all need Farels in our lives - people who boldly and clearly speak God's truth to us so that we can't run or hide. We all need to daily consider how to leave our comfortable Christian lives behind and unreservedly serve the living God who has entrusted us with His truth and His grace for His glory. What will you do to follow His call?
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