Isaac Ambrose PDF Print E-mail
As we look to the future of collegiate ministries in the Presbyterian Church, it is instructive to consider the founders and past leaders of our faith. Far from finding stuffy and irrelevant dead people, we discover men and women of incomparable zeal and passion. In fact, we find heart-warming, passion-engendering, Bible-soaked faith that is immensely practical to us today in our lives with God.

The first on our list of past Presbyterians is the Scottish minister from the 17th century, Isaac Ambrose. His faith in Presbyterianism was so strong that he even was willing to go to jail for it- twice! He felt that his nonconformity to the Anglican Church was worth it if it meant serving God more faithfully.

Here is a taste of Ambrose in reflection on Hebrews 12:2

“Looking unto is the act: but how? It is such a look as includes all these acts, knowing considering, desiring, hoping, believing, loving, joying, enjoying of Jesus, and conforming to Jesus. It is such a look as stirs up our affections in the heart, and the effects thereof in our life. It is such a look as leaves a quickening and enlivening upon the spirit. It is such a look as works us into warm affection, raised resolution, and holy and upright conversation…”

And here’s one about how true faith in Christ should enliven, not bore.

“Oh that God’s people should be so lazy, dull, sluggish, slothful in this spiritual work! … When ye crawl, and move, as if you had no hearts, nor spirits within you. Whom go ye forth to see? What, him that is the Lord of glory? What him that is the ‘brightness of his Father’s glory, and the express image of his person?’ Heb. 1:3.”

Oh what passion and vitality! It amazes me that our spiritual forefathers were such powerful men of God. For them faith wasn’t a chore that you acted out every Sunday morning. It wasn’t some limp, ineffectual banality that was brought out any time they wanted something ‘nice’ to make them feel better. No, it was a dynamic relationship with God that actually moved their spirits to unbelievable joy and emotional pleasure in God. Talking with God actually got blood flowing in their hearts and moved them to authentic community and personal vigor. And that is exactly why we look to them now; they had the faith we crave. And we can have it too.