Two Weeks On Gibraltar

Two Weeks On Gibraltar

How would a twenty-three-year-old Oxford man spend two weeks on the rock of Gibraltar?

GEORGE WHITEFIELD was born in 1714 in humble circumstances—his parents ran the Bell Inn in Gloucester, England. He graduated from Oxford University in 1736, one year after his dramatic conversion to Christ. He left for America aboard the Whitaker in February 1738, the day after his friend John Wesley arrived back in England after three discouraging years as a missionary in Georgia. The ship stopped and anchored off Gibraltar for two weeks before continuing its journey across the Atlantic. Whitefield, ever eager to share the gospel, seized the opportunity and went ashore anticipating what God might have in store for him during his time there. Many English soldiers were stationed at the fort on Gibraltar, and Whitefield immediately began to preach and minister to them. Whitefield wrote in his journal on March 6, 1738, about his last day there:

Monday, Mar. 6. Had near, if not more than, a hundred at morning exposition; and it being the last day of my sojourning at Gibraltar, many came to me weeping, telling me what God had done for their souls, desiring my prayers, and promising me theirs in return. Others both gave and sent me tokens of their love, as cake, figs, wine, eggs, and other necessaries for my voyage, and seemed to want words to express their affection. The good Lord note their kindnesses in His book, and reward them a thousandfold!

About twelve, went to the church, according to appointment, and made a farewell exhortation, as God gave me utterance, to a great number of weeping soldiers, women, etc. After which, we kneeled down, and having recommended each other to the care of God, I left them, and went and took my leave of the two Generals; visited the confined prisoner; dined at a gentlewoman’s house of the town; left near fifty letters to be sent to England; and, about four, went on board, accompanied to the seaside with near two hundred soldiers, women, officers, etc., who sorrowed at my departure, and wished me good luck in the Name of the Lord. Surely I may now expect greater success abroad, having such an addition of intercessors in my behalf. O Lord put their tears into Thy bottle, and let their cry come unto Thee!

Samson’s riddle has been fulfilled at Gibraltar. “Out of the eater came forth meat; out of the strong came forth sweetness.” Who more unlikely to be wrought upon than soldiers? And yet, amongst any set of people, I have not been where God has made His power more to be known. . . . This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. May He give a blessing to the books dispersed amongst them, and perfect the good work begun in their hearts, till the day of our Lord Jesus! May they be my joy and crown of rejoicing at the last day, and may God’s mercies to me in every place make me more humble, more zealous, more thankful, and more steady to do or suffer whatever my dear Redeemer hath allotted for me.

Reflection

A two-week delay in his journey to America could have caused frustration, but instead young George Whitefield ministered to the soldiers stationed at Gibraltar. How do you react when your plans get interrupted? We can view interruptions as obstacles or opportunities—the choice is ours.

Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone.

Colossians 4:5-6