The Nine Men Knelt on the Green Meadow
The sermon recounts a brutal event on the green meadow, highlighting the suffering and persecution of believers, and the reactions of the people involved.
In Ausbund 26, the preacher reflects on a tragic event where nine men were executed, three women were drowned, and all were buried together in one grave, causing much weeping and sorrow among the people. Despite prayers for the departed souls, some mocked them as servants of the Antichrist. The preacher describes the contrast between the initial lightheartedness of the important visitors and the somber atmosphere that enveloped everyone by the end of the day.
Text
The nine men knelt on the green meadow. Blood flowed over the sword. Three women were drowned. One laughed when they put her into the water. Then we buried them all together in one deep grave. . . . There was much weeping. Many people cried to God that he would give rest to the departed souls. But others mocked, saying they were the devil's horde and served the Antichrist. . . . This was done on Friday morning. Many important people had come riding in. They came lightheartedly, but we all went home in tears. I cannot describe everything I saw.
-- Ausbund, 26
Sermon Outline
- The Event on the Green Meadow
- The brutal execution of nine men and three women
- The reaction of the people
- The burial of the victims
Key Quotes
“Blood flowed over the sword.” — Ausbund
“Then we buried them all together in one deep grave.” — Ausbund
Application Points
- We should not be surprised by the suffering and persecution of believers, as it is a part of their calling.
- We should respond to suffering with faith and trust in God's plan, rather than mocking or denying it.
- We should remember the sacrifices of those who have gone before us and continue to stand firm in their faith.