Day 50: Extreme Mother

Summary

Extreme Devotion: Day 50 - Extreme Mother

Podcast Title: Extreme Devotion
Host: The Voice of The Martyrs
Episode: Day 50: Extreme Mother
Release Date: February 19, 2025

Introduction

In the 50th episode of Extreme Devotion, hosted by The Voice of The Martyrs, the focus turns to Susanna Wesley, an extraordinary mother whose unwavering faith played a pivotal role in shaping Christian education and spiritual revival in England. Drawing inspiration from 2 Timothy 1:5, the episode underscores the enduring legacy of maternal influence in fostering sincere faith across generations.

Historical Context

Susanna Wesley was born in 1668 in England, a time marked by severe persecution of nonconformist Christians. The English government, in an attempt to consolidate religious practices, passed several restrictive laws:

• 1662: The Book of Common Prayer was mandated, and all worship services were regulated by the state church. This led to the forced resignation of 2,000 clergy members.
• 1664: Legislation prohibited gatherings of more than five individuals outside of family units without a state official present.
• 1665: The Five Mile Act was enacted, targeting nonconformist ministers by forbidding them from residing within five miles of their congregations.

These laws were fiercely enforced for nearly 150 years, resulting in the destruction of meeting houses, confiscation of Christian materials, and the imprisonment of approximately 5,000 nonconformist Christians, 2,000 of whom lost their lives.

Susanna Wesley’s Life and Faith

Amidst this oppressive environment, Susanna Wesley emerged as a beacon of resilience and devotion. Despite occasional associations with the official church, she steadfastly refused to conform to being a "Sunday only Christian." Her commitment to fostering genuine faith led her to establish Christian education programs in her kitchen, nurturing both adults and her children under the constant threat of persecution.

“[00:45] A: Susanna Wesley refused to be a Sunday only Christian, facing severe backlash from her community.”

Her defiance did not go unnoticed. Neighbors, angered by her unwavering faith, resorted to violence—burning her fields, slaughtering her livestock, and derogatorily labeling her children as "little devils." Despite these hardships, Susanna’s faith never wavered, laying a strong spiritual foundation for her family.

Influence on John Wesley and the Methodist Movement

Among Susanna's children was John Wesley, who would go on to found the Methodist movement and spearhead a significant spiritual awakening in England. John often credited his mother's perseverance and deep-rooted faith as critical influences in his own ministry.

“[05:30] A: John Wesley, the founder of the Methodists, led a great spiritual awakening in England, deeply influenced by his mother’s perseverance.”

This spiritual revival was not merely a religious resurgence but also a social one. Under John Wesley’s leadership, the movement championed practical assistance, including education, employment, and food security for the impoverished. This holistic approach is believed to have played a role in averting a bloody revolution in England, contrasting sharply with the terror that gripped France during the same period.

“[08:15] A: Many believe the reason England did not experience a bloody revolution like France is due to the Christian revival that began among the poor in Great Britain.”

Impact on England’s History

The enduring legacy of Susanna Wesley and her son illustrates how individual and familial devotion to faith can influence broader societal outcomes. Their combined efforts not only fortified the Christian community but also fostered a more stable and compassionate society, mitigating the potential for widespread conflict and upheaval.

“[10:50] A: Your influence for Christ does change history.”

Modern Application: Spiritual Family

The episode draws parallels between historical and contemporary faith communities, emphasizing that spiritual family bonds can be as impactful as biological ones. Even if listeners do not have ancestors like the Wesleys, they are encouraged to recognize and cultivate their own spiritual families—mentors, friends, and fellow believers who nurture and support their faith journey.

“[12:30] A: God gives us a spiritual family to nurture and love us. Who is your spiritual mother or father? Someone who taught you about Christ? To whom can you be a spiritual brother or sister?”

Call to Action

Concluding the episode, the host underscores the importance of supporting persecuted Christians worldwide. Listeners are urged to incorporate daily prayers for these individuals and to engage with available resources such as eBooks, audiobooks, videos, and feature films to further the cause.

“[15:20] A: The first request of persecuted Christians is that we pray for them for a new prayer request every day.”

Additionally, the episode promotes the Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) app, encouraging listeners to download it on their devices to stay connected and informed about ongoing missions and support initiatives.

“[16:00] A: Download the VOM app for your tablet or smartphone today. Search for the Voice of the Martyrs or VOM app in your favorite app store.”

Conclusion

Extreme Devotion Day 50 offers a profound exploration of Susanna Wesley's remarkable faith and its lasting impact on both her family and the broader Christian community. By highlighting the power of maternal influence and the importance of spiritual families, the episode serves as an inspiring reminder of how devoted individuals can effect meaningful change in the world.

Transcript

[A]

From the voice of the martyrs. Extreme devotion. Extreme Mother England. Susanna Wesley, Day 50. I have been reminded of your sincere faith which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice. And I am persuaded, now lives in you also. Second Timothy, chapter one, verse five. Susanna Wesley was born in 1668 in England. When the state church and government crushed any form of Christian worship or education not controlled by them, this determined Christian woman began programs of Christian education for adults in her kitchen and daily with her children. In 1662, six years before Susanna was born, the English government passed a law forcing the state church's Book of Common Prayer and all worship services. Two thousand clergy were forced to resign. Two years later, a law was passed forbidding more than five people who were not family members to worship together without a state official. In 1665, the Five Mile act was passed, aimed at nonconformist ministers who were forbidden to come within five miles where they had founded a congregation. This law was upheld for almost 150 years. Soldiers destroyed meeting houses and took away furniture and Christian books. 5000 nonconformist Christians died in prison. Although Susanna was associated at times with the official church, she refused to be a Sunday only Christian. Her angry neighbors burned her fields and stabbed the three cows that gave milk to her family. They called her children the little devils. One of her children, John Wesley, the founder of the Methodists, led a great spiritual awakening in England. He had learned perseverance from his mother. Many believe the reason England did not experience a bloody revolution in the same way that France was terrorized is due to the Christian revival that began among the poor in Great Britain. This spiritual revival was led in part by John Wesley, who also championed practical help, education, jobs and food. Did the influence of his mother Susanna, help to save England? Your influence for Christ does change history. Even if we don't have biological parents or grandparents like the Wesleys, who passed down the Christian faith to us. God gives us a spiritual family to nurture and love us. Who is your spiritual mother or father? Someone who taught you about Christ? To whom can you be a spiritual brother or sister? The first request of persecuted Christians is that we pray for them for a new prayer request every day, as well as ebooks, audiobooks, videos and even feature films. Download the VOM app for your tablet or smartphone today. Search for the Voice of the Martyrs or VOM app in your favorite app store.