Being a Welshman I have a natural affinity for anything Welsh. That includes the realm of religion and spirituality. The Celtic influence runs deep in my veins, but it is an influence that is tempered and informed by the Reformed theologians that at one time had a tremendous impact on Wales.
One such Reformed theologian was the famed Welshman, Dr. David Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
It is to be noted that I was named after Dr. Jones, which is all the more reason for me to be keenly interested in his writings and influence.
Dr. Jones' books, sermons, tapes, and other writings can be found all over the world, in spite of the fact that he died in 1981. For nearly 40 years he had been the Senior Minister at London's Westminster Chapel at Buckingham Gate. Known as 'The Doctor,' Dr. Jones was considered a leading authority on the evangelical movement and Reformed theology--that segment of the theological discipline that traces its heritage back to Calvin, Luther, and Zwingli. His insight and counsel were sought by persons from every walk of life all around the world, from princes and queens to peasants.
The recognition that Jones received from the Christian community was the second time he had risen to a place of prominence. The first time was as a physician. Jones had been a heart specialist who served in the Queen's Court in England. His conversion to Christianity and his subsequent decision to go into full-time Christian ministry raised more than a few eyebrows in the U.K. However, the level of trust that he had amassed served him well after he entered Christian ministry.
Jones returned to his native Wales to serve a congregation in the impoverished Avalon sector near Sandfields, South Wales. His eleven year tenure saw the congregation flourish. Shortly afterward he was invited by the famed G. Campbell Morgan of the Westminster Chapel to serve along side of Morgan as co-Minister. Then, in the late 30s, Jones became the sole Senior Minister of the large London congregation, seeing it through some dark days during WWII when a bomb blew off part of the roof. Members of the congregation at the time reported that on the following Sunday after the blast, 'The Doctor' mounted the pulpit and 'took his service, ignoring the large hole above him.'
The many writings of Dr. Jones leave us with much invaluable advice on various issues. I leave you with one on this Sunday.
Jones used the story of Jacob's conversion in Genesis and Paul's words in Romans to suggest that silence is a virtue practically lost in modern Christianity. With the shrill voices of modern fundamentalism pounding away at the ears at decibel levels that are nearly deafening, Jones maintained that silence was absolutely necessary as the key to intimacy with God.
In his landmark 8-volume Commentary to the Romans, Jones stated, 'If one would be a Christian he must be quiet. Jacob found himself ultimately alone with God in silence. Paul speaks of the stark solitude and quiet when one comes face to face with the God of the ages. Thus, you cannot be a Christian until you have come the realization that you are totally dumbfounded, spellbound, and that you have absolutely nothing to say.'
This gripping advice is a word to the wise in the modern world in every sphere of life.
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