an
evening society meeting in Aldersgate-street, ALDERSGATE DAY
May 24
On May 24, 1738, John Wesley, burdened by the rejection
of his enthusiastic gospel message by his Anglican brothers, went very
unwillingly to
an
evening society meeting in Aldersgate-street,
When we remember Aldersgate Day, what exactly is it
that we are commemorating? Here is a man who had been washed in the Holy Ghost
as an infant in his baptism, been brought up in a Christian home, studied the
Bible, prayed regularly, entered into holy orders, founded a reforming movement,
engaged in good works, and used all the means of grace at his disposal. What
could possibly have happened to him on that May evening that is worth our notice
today?
There may be several ways to describe it, but the
significance of Aldersgate could be described as the day Wesley joined the human
race. Up to that point, he certainly identified with the unworthiness of
humanity, drawing up lists of his failings and sins that are astounding in their
detail. But he never quite saw himself in the same light as those who joyfully
accepted faith in Christ as God's gift of salvation. He didn't have the sense of
forgiveness that his Moravian friend Peter Bohler taught him was the fruit of
true faith. He was caught in the dance of either trying to earn God's love or
feeling unworthy of ever receiving it. On May 24, his heart melted a bit, his
humanity was revealed, and he knew he was just one of those for whom Christ died
no better, no worse. He let go and let God do the work of salvation in him.
On May 24 we commemorate the founder of Methodism's
heart-warming experience, and find another opportunity to be among those who
receive the gift of God's forgiveness, and not just the ones who offer it.
Source:
General Board Of Global Ministries UMC