Real Heroes and White Wreathes
One of my all-time favorites is John Lake. Lake caught a high vision of salvation and it oozes throughout all of his sermons and books. In May 1920, he was walking along a path in Mount Tabor Park and he had a vision. Part of the vision is as follows:
Through the park is a foot-path coming down through the trees that leads out to the street where we live, and in my vision I was seemingly out in the street, at the foot of this foot-path, and as I looked up in the park I was attracted by a quite brilliant light far up in the park. It was very slowly coming down the pathway to the street. I stood somewhat surprised, supposing it was some night man on some duty in the park, probably searching for something or somebody. As it approached I discovered that, instead, it was an angel presence, and the brilliance was an illumination surrounding him. He stood a few feet from me, and said to me, “I have come to answer your prayers. Come with me.”
Three wreaths: black, pink, and white. …
China: A man, a European, was lying on the ground. Close by lay his wife. On one side of her a boy of about seven or eight and on the other side a girl of about ten or twelve. Turning to me the angel said, “These have given their all for the Lord and His Kingdom.” He took a white wreath and as he held it in his hands tears fell upon the wreath and each tear turned into a diamond. It was covered by sparkling diamonds. He dropped the wreath and it lit by the head of the dead missionary. … (John Lake, The Portland Vision)
Lake later explains that the wreaths represent advancement in the Kingdom: white is best, pink is second best, and black is failure.
I think about this vision quite a bit. As the American Church waxes and wanes with the latest media splashes, there are those anonymous missionaries, pastors, teachers, and the like who quietly, but steadfastly advance the interests of the Lord Jesus Christ. I’m sure that only a few people knew of the deaths of that missionary family and their deaths didn’t mean anything to the world, but they were big in the eyes of God.
So you are a fan of John G. Lake??
Tell me what makes him stand out from others of his generation?(whatever generation that was) I guess what I’m asking is why are you attracted to him and his ministry? And if he has so impressed you how has it changed your life? I have heard of Lake but do not have much of a frame of reference. Last March I stayed in the home of an A/G evangelist, while in the Dallas area, and he had a large book on Lake’s life and sermons. I did not have time to get very far into it. But I have heard other’s quote refer to Lake. (Copeland,Hagin,etc.) So expound a bit on why you are impressed with him and if possible recommend some material. Thanks.
Great post. Thank you.
Larry,
I am truly a fan of Lake. Lake was remarkable for the fact that he applied intelligence to Pentecost. When he was “sent” to Africa, he told God that he would preach the sum of the revelation of the New Birth and Pentecost that he received. His books and sermons show a depth of insight into the working of the Spirit and the plan of God in salvation that, frankly, I haven’t found anywhere else.
I’m not sure how I can word how his works have changed my life, but I’ve been reading his materials for over twenty years (and haven’t stopped).