Day 20
The Mind of a Missionary Devotional
Transformed by a Divine Vision
Nikolaus Zinzendorf
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” — Romans 12:2
A young German nobleman named Nikolaus stood transfixed before a painting in the heart of Europe. The artwork, Domenico Feti’s Ecce Homo (“Behold, the Man”), depicted Jesus Christ crowned with thorns, His eyes reflecting a depth of sorrow and love. Below the painting, a Latin inscription read: Ego pro te haec passus sum Tu vero quid fecisti pro me, translating to “This have I suffered for you; now what will you do for Me?”
The Holy Spirit arrested the young man’s heart at this divine rendezvous. The question weighed upon Nikolaus’ heart, urging him to reflect on his own relationship with his Savior.
Born into nobility on May 26, 1700, Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf had been surrounded by Christian values from a young age. He penned love letters to Jesus as a child, releasing them from his castle tower like innocent prayers to the courtyard below. But standing before the painting, a more profound commitment was birthed in his heart. The young man pledged, “I have loved Him for a long time, but I have never actually done anything for Him. From now on, I will do whatever He leads me to do.”
The conviction from that encounter became the catalyst for Zinzendorf’s life mission. He was not content with mere religious rituals or theological debates. He yearned for a faith that was alive, active, and transformative. This passion led him to establish the Moravian Movement, a community dedicated to living out the Gospel in its purest form.
The Moravians, under Zinzendorf’s leadership, experienced a profound spiritual revival beginning in the spring of 1727. The small community in Herrnhut was initially riddled with social conflict, but Zinzendorf believed God wanted to do something miraculous. He began visiting each household, counseling people with the Scriptures, and fostering a spirit of unity. His leadership stoked the embers of revival, fanning the flame with a profound dedication to prayer.
On August 27 of the same year, fifty members of the community committed to spend one hour each day praying for their community. This covenant ushered in the historic 100-Year Prayer Vigil that would see Moravians praying without ceasing, day and night, in an unbroken century-long succession. A missional fervor ignited within them as they lingered in God’s presence. Zinzendorf’s encounter with the painting had sown a seed that now bore fruit in the form of a community dedicated to global missions.
Inspired by the Apostle Paul’s words, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16), the Moravians ventured into uncharted territories, spreading the love of Christ. Shockingly, the first two Moravian missionaries, Johann Leonhard Dober and David Nitschmann, were willing to sell themselves into slavery to reach the enslaved races in the West Indies. They believed the message of Jesus was not just for them but for the world. Thus, the movement grew in scope, impacting many parts of the world, including the Caribbean, North and South America, the Arctic, Africa, and the Far East.
Zinzendorf established a global movement and embodied a life wholly surrendered to Christ. His encounter with the Ecce Homo painting was a reminder that faith is not passive; it demands action. Just as Christ had suffered for humanity, Zinzendorf and the Moravians after him believed in the call to serve, go, and make disciples of all nations, echoing the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20.
Throughout Christian history, many have been inspired and called, but few have responded with the zeal and dedication of Zinzendorf. Challenging missionary recruits to “preach the Gospel, die, and be forgotten,” his life was a testament to the power of a single encounter with Christ. Catapulted by Zinzendorf to the ends of the earth, thousands of global Kingdom workers went, many died, and most were forgotten. However, their names became etched in the annals of eternity. The German nobleman paved the way for global transformation through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, challenging every believer to respond with a resounding “Here I am, Lord. Use me!”
Hours before Zinzendorf died on May 9, 1760, he rejoiced in all God had done. “Did you suppose, in the beginning, that the Saviour would do as much as we now really see?” he asked David Nitschmann, the first Moravian missionary. A smile formed on his lips as he breathed his last breath in this world.
There is no doubt what question Zinzendorf would leave us with today. The same question challenged him as a young man—the crucified Christ asking, “This have I done for you. What will you do for Me?”
– Personal Response –
Passage: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
Point: A single encounter with Christ can transform a life and ignite a global movement when answered with surrendered obedience.
Ponder: What have you truly done for Christ in response to all He has done for you? Has your love for Him moved from feeling to action?
Prayer: Lord, You gave everything for me. Awaken my heart, renew my mind, and help me to honor You with action, not just affection. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Proclamation: I will not conform to the world’s comforts or ambitions, but instead follow the call of Christ with boldness and obedience.
Practice: Set aside an intentional hour this week to spend with Jesus, and ask, “What do You want me to do for You?” Then write down and commit to one action that follows His leading.
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