2014/2 Adoniram Judson – Gospel Highway

2014/2 The Life and Ministry of Adoniram Judson

Ephesians 3:17-19 – that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Introduction
Adoniram Judson began his mission in Burma on the 13th July 1813 (200 years ago), at the age of 25 years old, he set a goal of founding a church with 100 members before his death. When he died in the year 1850, he left behind 100 churches, and over 8,000 believers in Burma! Since then, Myanmar has become the third largest number of Baptists worldwide, behind the United States and India. He is also credited with compiling the first ever Burmese-English dictionary and has completed the monstrous task of translating the Bible to the native language; his translation remains the most popular version in Myanmar until today. The printing of his first wife′s letters about their mission inspired many to become or support Christian missionaries. Who was Adoniram Judson?

His Conversion:

Adorniram Judson, Jr. was born in Massachusetts, a state located northeast of America in 1788. He was the eldest son in his family of 4; his father (Adoniram senior) was a minister of God′s Word, a man who is serious, strict and honest in character. Only 3 years old, little Adoniram surprised his father by reading out a chapter of the Bible after his return from a journey. He was an excellent student recognised not only by his parents, but also his teachers and contemporaries.
When he was in college, he began to drift away from God and religion altogether. He was caught up by the paganism which emphasised the greatness of human reasoning. He was particularly influenced by his good friend Ernest (Jacob Eames). Adoniram started having great ambitions in his mind — to be a lawyer and at times to be a well-known playwright. After college, he and his friends decided to take a tour of the Northern States of America, to survey the ‘land’ where they dreamed to leave their mark upon! However, in so doing, he broke his parents’ heart when they learn of his desires and ambition, and witness for themselves the dramatic change in their son which they had put such high hopes on. He out-talked his father but could not out-distance himself from his mother’s tears and warnings. After travelling and seeing the ‘world’ he happened upon a country inn (motel). The innkeeper placed him next door to a young man who was dying and asked whether Adoniram would mind with that arrangement. He declared that he would be unaffected by the dying man, confident that all he would have is pity. His self-confidence was shattered that night, as the walls were thin, and he could hear every groaning, movement that was made in the next room. His belief on God was questioned that night — he felt the uncertainty of his soul’s destination and was ashamed of his hopeless condition! That night he had a horrible sleep. In the morning, he sought the innkeeper to find out the fate of the dying young man only to be told “He is dead”. He was doubly stunned to find out that not only was the young man dead, but that person was no other than his best friend, Eames! Two words repeated itself that whole day in his mind: ‘Dead’ and ‘Lost’!
Humbled by the harsh realities of his own wretched condition, he headed immediately to home, to search out his parents and sought not only their forgiveness, but guidance to secure his eternal soul. His father’s friends proposed for him to enter into the Theological Seminary at Andover (West of Massachusetts), to help Adoniram in his search for the Truth and God. It took a month and a half to humble this strong-willed young man; after which he solemnly dedicated himself to God. At the age of 20, Adoniram was found by God and as time passed change came in him, though it was subtle and slow, yet it was certain and clear to those around him. His worldly ambitions were put away! Instead his chief desire now was to seek out the things that pleased God! From there onwards, Ephesians 3:17-19 became his great text that he strove to constantly remember, experience and hold onto in life!

His Calling:

It was in September 1809, that Adoniram read Claudius Buchanan’s sermon “Star in the East” that opened this young believer into the duty, scope, effort and beauty of missions. The stories of heathens converted by means of the Bible alone within that book gripped the mind of this new believer. The Great Commission continually resonated with his own heart, until in February 1810, he resolved to become a missionary to the heathen, in obedience to God’s command. This commitment was not without its trial — his parents and sister expected him to become a preacher in a local church close to his hometown; the position was already open for his taking. However, he explained his heart to them before more steps were taken by them to secure such a ministry for him. Once he was set upon the course of his life purpose — there was no turning back — there was only a singular direction. He found similar like-minded men in his seminary with the desire for preaching the Gospel to the heathens. The first American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions was formed in late 1810 as a result of the young men desire to go East to declare the Gospel.
On the 5th of February, 1812, Judson was married to Ann Hasseltine and on the next day he and his fellow missionary candidates were ordained for the task set before them as missionaries to the heathen in the East. On the 19th of that same month the Judsons along with another couple embarked on the sail ship “Caravan”, headed for Calcutta, India and later to Rangoon (modern-day Yangdon) in Burma. Here is where the amazing ministry that consumes the rest of his life begins!

Lessons from His Ministry
There are just too many things that can be learned and too many things to cover about Adoniram Judson’s lengthy ministry to Burma. In this study we will limit the scope covered to that of Adoniram and Ann’s (the early part of the ministry — which is the crucial part). God-willing, perhaps we might visit the latter part of his ministry some other time. The following lessons from His ministry are arranged chronological, as far as possible.

Judson Taught us the Importance of Accepting the Harshness of Reality

A young Adoniram Judson was sent by the American Missionary Board to England to get the London Missionary Board′s help since the Board in America was still inexperience and limited in resources. On the way there, he was captured by the French. During his time in the boat, he learnt much about the realities of life; seasick for long periods of time and friendless since he could not speak coherent French. For long periods of time, he just did nothing; so discouraged by the turn in events. It was his first time that he encountered doubts about his suitability and aptness for missionary work. Eventually, he learnt that God permitted his capture and all his troubles to test his resolve and faith. He struggled with such negative thoughts and prayed that God would strengthen him and after praying, he began to take initiative to come out of his bleak conditions — he eventually found his way home.
It is possible for Christian believers and even ministers to be so naÃ¯ve of the sufferings and trials that await them that they choose to live in a condition that is so protected from any negativism, usually prevalent among Charismatic churches. Failure to accept the harshness of a fallen world brings one to accept the things that lead to ease and comfort instead of confessing our weaknesses and limitations to the Lord and pleading for more grace from Him. Remember that the Lord Jesus Christ strengthened John the Baptist even though he was faced with doubt while in prison (Matthew 11:3). This encounter with the harshness of reality was sufficient to plant the seed for future trials that awaited Judson!

Judson Taught us the Importance of a Teachable Spirit

He had a teachable spirit; always open to hear the opinions of matured Christian believers (p.54). A good evidence of his sweet spirit is seen in his change of theology in regards to baptism. He was from a paedo-baptist background, but when he was on the voyage to India to meet his Baptist missionary counterparts, he determined to come to a clear stand on the matter of whether to baptise the children of believers or not because of his expectation of conversion to happen in the future (whether near or far). Mrs. Ann Hudson writes thus to a friend:
The more he examined, the more his doubts increased; and unwilling as he was to admit it, he was afraid the Baptists were right and he wrong. We [bought] the best authors on both sides, compared them with the Scriptures, examined and re-examined the sentiments of Baptist and Paedobaptist, and were finally compelled, from a conviction of truth to embrace those of the former. We are confirmed Baptists, not because we wished to be, but because truth compelled us to be.
The Judsons stood to lose more than to gain in changing their views, especially at the start of a missionary work that is supported by Paedobaptist churches. Nevertheless, Adoniram was teachable, and willing to change if it meant pleasing the Lord in accordance to His Word.
The spirit of our generation is one of complacency and compromise rather than the willingness to be taught and guided to the “way of God more accurately” (as it was with Apollos under the guidance of Aquila and Priscilla in Acts 18:26). It is unhelpful for leaders of the church to not set the example of having a teachable spirit to their church members. Besides, fundamental to the word “Reformed” is the willingness to change and conform to the Will of God according to His revealed Word!

Judson Taught us the Importance of Total Devotion to Our Great Calling

When he arrived in Rangoon, Judson immediately set to work to acquire the language and to understand the people along with the land. His routine was brutal and taxing, daily language lessons under the guidance of a Burmese teacher. Although he was inquisitive and had a good mind in things pertaining to literature and sciences, he did not permit himself to indulge in the secular literature or preoccupation of the Burmese people. He disagrees with missionaries who indulge in anything that is not missionary related. He did not allow himself any time to indulge in secular sciences and foreign literature – believes that missionary work should consume the missionary′s life.
Upon acquiring a good grasp of the language, the work of translating, preaching and evangelising consumed his daily routine. On the Lord′s Day, for example, he would start the morning service from morning 9 a.m. and end in the evening at 10 p.m. The bulk of the time was spent in speaking to the various visitors who would drop by his place on the day. This level of devotion to the mission field is also reflected in his view of missionaries working secular jobs.
He made it clear in the regulations for missionaries that none of them should be employed for any worldly work since they are to be wholly consecrated unto the mission, unless it is for the furtherance and help of the mission field in some ways (e.g. temporary translation work to help ease tensions between the British and Burmese forces after the defeat of Burma to the British). According to Judson, all monetary gains from other employment while being a missionary belongs to the Mission Board. The missionary should subject himself to the Board′s support fully so that the missionary is protected by the distractions of funds administration.
Are we giving all that we can for the Lord in serving Him? This is an important challenge to ministers, both young and old. Judson understood that the minister is wholly consecrated unto the Lord for His Work, just like the Levites and Priests were in the Old Covenant — they had no earthly inheritance given to them. It is a good reminder that the call of the preacher is greater than any other secular vocation and thus nothing but our best would be sufficient!

Judson Taught us the Importance of Future Thinking

In making decisions in the mission field, Judson that always took into account the future missionaries which would succeed him. He understood what Paul taught in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 – I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. This was seen in his continual efforts in mastering the language. After 3 years of being at Rangoon, he successfully completed a Grammar book which he hopes will be useful for future missionaries (which he hoped would come in the hundreds)! Even though for the first 3 years he had not much to show by way of converts and tangible results, yet he pressed on. He persevered on knowing the immense importance of laying a solid foundation for future generations to work upon. Such perseverance started bearing fruit as he was able to start work on translating portions of the New Testament (beginning with the Gospels) and started producing tracts for use in evangelism.
Impatience in Gospel work often results in focusing upon the wrong works. Instead of building up a mastery of the language and procuring materials to help in the preaching of the Gospel, we may be side-tracked with all other activities that may show “immediate results” — but may not be able to persevere in the heat of tribulations — much like the seed that were sowed on stony ground in Matthew 13:6. Let us not be discouraged to think that there is none who will come after us in this good work of preaching the Gospel — surely the Lord of the Harvest have great plans!

Judson Taught us the Importance of Christian Boldness

Judson showed great boldness as he began evangelism in Rangoon. Despite the dangers of those who convert out of Buddhism, he persisted in his efforts to give out tracts, invite hearers and preach the Gospel to those willing to hear. After six years in Rangoon, he finally got his first convert, in the man called Moung Nau! However, a great measure of boldness was necessitated because of the change in leadership after the death of the emperor. The former emperor had an open dislike for the Buddhist priests, thus weakening the influence and powers of the priests. However, with the new emperor, there seems to be an increased hope among the Buddhist priests for a stricter preservation of their national religion among the people. This resulted in increased persecution against the infant church (which had 2 to 3 converts) and brought great fear to those who were inquisitive of the Gospel. The climate was very dreadful for Judson and the infant church. In desperation for a way out of this, he decided to meet with the Emperor in Ava (then the capital of Burma) to ask for permission to preach and make the religion legal in their eyes. Meeting the emperor on matters of the faith is not unheard of in the Bible, in Acts 25:12, did not Paul make his appeal to see Caesar?
Judson did not make this decision rashly. He was at the crossroad of his ministry; should he relocate his ministry or should he just bear on with the increased persecution? He is not afraid of running from city to city, but would rather do so when all means and options have been exhausted. It was with this that he believed the house of Caesar needed to hear the gospel as much as the slaves in the streets!
Their first visit in 1820 was depressing — the king did not warmly welcome them, in fact, the king was silent on the issue raised and dismissed them out of the court. However, the second visit was much better, since he took with him a Christian doctor, Jonathan Price, whom the king favoured for his expertise in medicine. This time, he had more opportunities conversing with the king. He told the truth to the king, when asked about the state of Christianity in Burma, revealing that there were actual Burmese converts in Rangoon. However, God restrained the king from acting extremely. Judson was also closer with the royalty; one of the Prince assured him that the king will not persecute those who believe their own religion (apart from Buddhism). With such a change in mannerism towards him, Judson wasted no time but began preaching the Gospel around the king′s palace — to his relatives. This reminds us of the apostle Paul′s boldness and success of converting even those belonging to Caesar′s household (Philippians 4:22)! In fact, the king got to sample a portion of his preaching when he inquired of it from Judson. He was not only tolerated by the king, but was looked upon kindly and even given a piece of land to build a house in Ava.
Even though Judson showed much Christian boldness that is lacking in the more affluent countries of the world, yet he practiced Christian prudence as well — he would not unduly provoke the enemies of the cross to persecute them; those who professed faith were baptised at night.
Although there is a sense where prudence needs to be exercised, yet in our days, we seem to be living in a generation where people will only be bold if it is a calculated risk. Excuses seem to fly off more readily from the lips of believers to avoid potential troubles and inconveniences rather than having the glory of God in the centre of our deliberations. When Peter and John were released after being questioned and warned by the Sanhedrin in Acts 4:24, the church prayed for boldness! They did not scatter or hoped that the commotion will die down by itself, but trusted in God′s power to overcome such oppositions. We need such boldness in our ministries.

Judson Taught us the Importance of Discerning Spiritual Fruits

If Judson had employed the methods of modern day churches, he would have gotten his first convert very early, within the first 3 years of preaching the Gospel in Rangoon. However, he would not have a shoddy convert who is not certain of his position before God. Although his sermons were short — averaged at half an hour, yet he would have long conversations and discussions with those who attended his Lord′s Day meetings. He would not give any of the inquirers false hope — but constantly turned them to the Scriptures, prayed for them and waited for the Holy Spirit to do its powerful work in changing the stony hearts to hearts of flesh.
He waited for the work of the Spirit to do a thorough work of conversion, and would never rush the Spirit by undue pressure or coercing of any forms — he never gives monetary incentives even when a particular seeker was in need of money or a job. His reasoning was this: he would not want to tempt the seeker to let his heart trust upon material things. And true enough, the true converts would usually experience God′s grace despite their poor conditions and stressful circumstances. This is the same standard he put for the men and also the women.
He was also very careful not to baptise a person because of wrong motivations. He would double his guard over applicants who were relatives of professing believers and influenced by the example and persuasion of others rather than by the impulse of grace. This was an important guard especially when the work started to catch momentum in the middle 1820′s and the minds of the people (society) begin to change favourably towards these Christians. He would not lower down the standard but base them on God′s Word and rule.
In the face of so many nominal Christians, should the local church not guard itself from false professors of faith? We must learn to be discerning and not merely take people by their words. Do these professing believers understand and acknowledge their sins? Do they realise the wrath incurred because of their sins? Do they understand how desperate they need salvation from Jesus Christ? Do they understand that they must trust only in Christ and His finished work on the cross and not on anything else in this world for salvation? Judson spent much time talking with positive seekers, and occasionally laying out to the person their problem or hindrances that they have in being saved. He had no fear of “losing” these people, for he believed that it is important to have one true believer than a few dozen professing believers who are nominal!

Judson Taught us the Importance of a Godly Wife and Suffering for the Lord

His wife (Ann Hasseltine Judson) was as important as Adoniram himself — she was not one who would easily give up on the task at hand. She would not leave Rangoon even though she had no news from Adoniram and the only news they received was an impending war between Britain with Burma. She helped Adoniram in dealing with the female persons who were interested to hear the Gospel, sometimes gathering and leading studies with over 30 Burmese women.
Upon Judson′s third visit to Ava in 1824, this time bringing along Mrs. Judson and his small family of adopted children and helpers, the unexpected happened and threw everything into a state of confusion: war broke out between Britain and Burma. All foreigners were captured and thrown into the death prison. During this time, he was roughed up in the process, no comfort given. The whole house was in shock as the scene was chaotic from the show of force and violence against Adoniram.
He was stretched on the floor with “three pairs of iron chains each, and fastened to a long pole, to prevent their moving”. Mrs Judson was confined to a form of house arrest — she was not able to go out. Yet she exhausted herself to find ways of bringing relief to Adoniram — by smuggling food or procuring a slightly more comfortable place within the prison. She did all these while she was still pregnant and was about to give birth to a daughter. She was constantly travelling to and fro between her house and the prison, most of the time in the darkness of the night. She sold off trinkets of valuables to obtain provisions for her family and the prisoners. This continued on for 21 months! She was named the “Angel of Ava” for her efforts; bringing hope to those confined to death.
She won the heart of the governor and had good ties with him. The governor, though pagan, was so affected by her life testimony, sacrifice and integrity that broke down before Ann and confessed that he has disobeyed the queen′s brother′s proposal to kill all the foreigners. He swore to Ann that if the matter is in his hands, he will never kill Adoniram even if all the rest were to be killed. God′s hand was certainly upon this man′s heart to restrain and soften it.
However, the prisoners were shifted to a new place in Amarapoora. Mrs. Judson followed them to this new place all the while carrying the 3 months old daughter with her. Here was a worse place than the prison in Ava. She lived in a small hut with her 3 months old daughter in this miserable place. Compounded with the fact that it was the hottest time in Burma, the physical torture of travelling to this horrible place pushed Mr. Judson to the limit, to the point where he even considered suicide – but could not because it was sin. On top of all these things, Mrs. Judson had to deal with an outbreak of small-pox within the new prison grounds – even her daughter contracting it at such an age. The poverty of the situation caused her to run to the village begging and pleading nursing mothers to give milk to her young infant!
Eventually, when the British won against the Burmese, the prisoners were released. When Adoniram finally found his way home, this was what he found his daughter small and dirty, and his wife pale, weak and as thin as a skeleton.
She cared for others, but there were none except the cook who cared for her needs. She was tired, sleep-deprived, tear-spent, and lonely. Here is truly the picture that fits the praise given in Proverbs 31:29 – “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” Job′s portion certainly was understood to a great degree by the Judsons.
Behind every mighty preacher is the faithful, submissive wife who supports the preacher behind the scenes. Here is the call for us to not only appreciate our wives but to give them encouragements in their often forgotten labours in the ministry. It is they who provide the comfortable environment and deals mainly with the things of the household; releasing us from the burden. More than that, here is an example of the type of suffering that may fall upon those who seek to glorify God. Truly this is captured by our Lord′s own exhortation in John 12:24-25 – Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Are we willing to follow our Lord even if it means sacrifice of our comforts and even our lives?

Judson Taught us the Importance of Christian Joy

The Christian life is not all about doom and gloom. Though the Christian suffers as a pilgrim in this world, yet the apostle Paul taught us that one who is in prison can still rejoice! Judson knew God′s grace upon him and is able to enjoy much comfort and joy despite all that has happened in his life. His enjoyment in the Lord is shown during a particular occasion when his friends were arguing about the best physical enjoyment that could be had.

Judson answered “You all are not qualified to judge. I know of a much higher pleasure than that. What do you think
of floating down the Irrawadi, on a cool, moonlight evening, with your wife by your side, and your baby in your arms,
free – all free? But you cannot understand it, either; it needs a 21 months′ qualification!”” He added “I think I have
had a better appreciation of what heaven may be ever since.”

It is important to cultivate enjoyment that is different from the world; Judson learnt this through suffering. This is one of the most important unique aspects of the Christian religion, that the Christian can find joy despite the pain, tears and sufferings that finds them. Here is the contentment and joy that comes only by our faith and appropriation of Jesus Christ as our Saviour! The Christian rejoices not in the temporal things in this life; his joy is kept in heaven, where it is fully revealed and enjoyed.
Mrs Judson died on the 24th October 1826, 37 years old in Massachusetts, America. Her death was from an unrelenting fever, due to the hardness of the 21 months before. She died among strangers, for she considered her true home in this world to be the place where she had been for the last 13 years. Would one so work to obtain the release of her husband and friends to the point of giving up their own lives and exposing themselves to a weak constitution? This is a true friend who would lay down her life for her friends, in the same manner of her Saviour! The last words were for her husband was to persist exclusively to the duties of his religious mission and not to join the British in politics. He was far afar in Ava, the death was unexpected and it crushed him and sent him again to the embrace of his Saviour. His own daughter, a small child (1 year plus) was a stranger to him, since most of the time he was a prisoner – he could not seek comfort from his own child!
On 24th April 1827, little Maria died – 2 years and 3 months in Rangoon. Judson is totally alone again. Yet his sight is not on the loss, but on what he would gain when he steps through death′s threshold. Listen to his hope as he writes the news of little Maria′s passing:

I am left alone in the wide world. My own dear family I have buried… What remains for me but to hold myself in
readiness to follow the dear departed to that blessed world, “Where my best friends, my kindred, dwell, Where God,
my Saviour, reigns”

Here is one so given over to the hope of an eternal rest, that he has appropriated one of the rarest jewels that is the portion of the Christian believer — peace and contentment in the face of earthly losses!

Conclusion
Truly Adoniram Judson lived his life fully for the glory of God — he brought the Gospel to Burma and laid a solid foundation that even now, 200 years have passed, and we are still reaping the fruits of his labour. May we who have Christ dwelling in us be so filled with an understanding of His love that it compels us to do great things for Him!

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