Book Review of "Watchman Nee: Man of Suffering"

   

  I just finished reading a captivating book, titled: Watchman Nee: Man of Suffering by Bob Laurent.  The book is part of a series called "Heroes of the Faith" which is a biographical series of Christian men and women through the ages.

     A few years back, I borrowed my dad’s copy of The Release of the Spirit, by Watchman Nee, and was struck with the power of God that was manifest in the life of this 20^th century leader of the Christian church in China.  A few months ago, I picked up this biography from a box of free books, intrigued to know more about this man who was so consumed by the Holy Spirit.

     Watchman Nee: Man of Suffering is a short read at only 186 pages in large print.  Yet, it is moving nonetheless.  From childhood, Nee was a driven and dedicated young man.  But it wasn’t until he gave his life to Christ at nineteen that he realized how desperate China was for the message of Christ.  As the book relays, this passion for evangelism and the Biblically unsound doctrine of the current church led Nee to establish the Little Flock— the first large scale church in China.  As Nee studied the word of God—sometimes up to 14 hours a day—he continued to spread Christianity across the countryside in the midst of World War II turmoil.

     Watchman Nee: Man of Suffering drives home the message of full reliance on Christ.  It is something that my plush, American society has all but forgotten.  In the land of instant gratification and idols, it is such a refreshing reminder of the result of true faith.  Watchman Nee refused to defend himself against erroneous defamation of his character; He continued to preach in China despite the invasion of communism.  Ultimately, the last 20 years of his life were spent in prison, where he is said to have sung hymns daily for all prisoners to hear (RELATED: Upping Your Rep in Church).  He did not lose His firm hope in Christ, nor waver in His commitment to the gospel.  True to 2 Timothy 4:7, Watchman Nee gave every indication that he "fought the good fight and finished the race."  He kept the faith (RELATED: God's Perfect Peace).

            I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who wants to see more power of the Holy Spirit revealed in their life.  If there is any evidence that our cushy society has left us in lack of the spirit, it is in the story of Watchman Nee's life.  Constantly in dire circumstances, Nee was able to see the power of the Spirit in ways we have not.  There are some amazing miracles recounted in this book because of this desperation and whole-hearted surrender to Christ (RELATED: Are You "Spiritually Face-Washing?").  As a result of Watchman Nee's life, the Church in China began to flourish at a time of great war and turmoil.  Better yet, the name of Christ was proclaimed around the world and hope was lit like a flame.

     This summer, whether you’re headed the beach, the mountains or your living room couch: Don’t miss a chance to read about this great man of faith and learn a thing or two about reliance on God.


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