Andrew Murray
Author VANCE CHRISTIE
Publisher CHRISTIAN FOCUS
ISBN 1-78191-600-1
I liked the way the publishers have placed this book among their series of “History Makers.” This is certainly true of Andrew Murray, in fact, the subtitle Christie gives is, “Christ’s Anointed Minister to South Africa.” A privilege to have the opportunity to discover more of Murray’s service through his long life as I read this book. He passed away in early 1917 aged eighty-eight. Although he fulfilled much of his ministry in Africa, he is known worldwide through his many writings which are of a devotional nature throughout. Many are still in print today and translated into other languages. I mention that it was a blessing to read the book but it is a long one and pretty detailed so you must be prepared to persevere with it. It really is a history and takes us through as much detail as possible as to the pastorates he served in, the way Murray was voted as Moderator of the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa and the skill with which he discharged that responsibility and his prodigious work in other areas of ministry also. We learn that he was a rather stern man in earlier years and the way God dealt with him as he lost his voice and was temporarily unable to speak publicly. That experience, along with others changed him into a tender hearted though formidable minister. During the late nineteenth century there was a seeking after God, to be like Him, the ‘deeper life’ teachings came into a degree of prominence and Murray shared in this somewhat. He remained someone who was constantly probing for fresh understandings of God’s truth. He seldom repeated himself in his sermons because of the refreshing communion he more and more enjoyed with His Lord. Some would call him a mystic, but he was certainly not a person cut off from the world in his monkish cell but was ever active in positive service in good works of immense proportions. Mission, orphanages and other endeavours helped the church fulfil its mission in the world and he initiated many. It seems plain that Murray, for many years was the most prominent church leader, preacher and devotional writer in his country. This book may well introduce this Christian saint to a new generation of readers. He wrote at least seventy books and these consistently carry a degree of spiritual help that is needed today. His language is so often missing in what excites the 21st century church , but his lingua franca is needed again, words like consecration, surrender and humility, abiding in Christ were his themes and should again be taught by those whose lives bear the marks that were evident in Andrew Murray. Here is something he dictated a few days before his death, 1. Everything must be like God. 2. Everything can only be like God by partaking of His nature. 3.Everything must have the nature of God. 4. Nothing can be like God but God Himself.
