A Tribute to Norman GrubbIn His Own Words
Norman P. Grubb went to be with the Lord on December 15, 1993. We reprint his own words, written sixty five years ago, from the now out-of-print book, After C.T. Studd.
There is a background to the manifestation of the mighty works of God through a human channel. Underlying resurrection is death. Paul to possess all things had nothing; to make many rich was poor; to be powerful and wise had become foolish and weak; to be re-made had been broken. To share the intimate fellowship of a Saviour he went the way of saviourhood, suffered the loss of all things, became conformable to death. We know and can employ through the Spirit the powers of the world to come in the measure that we have died out to enslavement to the possessions, glories, ways of the world. It is a real death, as prelude to a real new life. The Lord Christ made some strange statements, such as that it costs some an eye or limb to enter the Kingdom, that a disciple must forsake all, must hate loved ones, possessions, life. By this He meant that such a one must pass through fires in which the selfish claims of natural loves and the selfish hold on the good things of life, not to speak of the bad, must be burnt out to make room for the influx of supernatural grace, vision and resources. Holy and hidden mysterythat through the Cross is power, through the Cross glory, through the Cross joy, through the Cross fruitfulness.
God grant that we may be of this company of the abundant life, with a gaiety that is irrepressible, an attraction that is irresistible (through ourselves to Him), an adventurousness, an optimism and a courage that strike the deep chords of human nature; yet with a purity, intensity, meekness and altruism which are not of this world, but are a sweet savour of Christ, both of life unto life and death unto death. These are they who in every generation turn the world upside down and make preparation for the glorious day of Christs personal appearing. Even so come, Lord Jesus.
