We came by night to the Fortunate Isles, And lay like fish Under the net of our kisses.
I am, as ever, a poor sinner, a captive of eternal love, running by the side of His triumphal chariot, and I have no desire to be anything else as long as I live.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a deep, loving devotion to God, highlighting the humility of the speaker as a sinner embraced by divine love.
In this quote, Nicolaus Zinzendorf conveys a profound sense of humility and gratitude for experiencing God's eternal love. By identifying himself as a 'poor sinner,' he acknowledges his imperfections while simultaneously embracing the role of a faithful servant who finds joy in being close to God's glory. The metaphor of 'running by the side of His triumphal chariot' suggests that he willingly follows the path of divine love and victory, valuing this spiritual journey above all else.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a sermon to illustrate the profound nature of God's love for humanity.
Similar quotes
For I am every dead thing In whom love wrought new alchemy For his art did express A quintessence even from nothingness, From dull privations, and lean emptiness He ruined me, and I am re-begot Of absence, darkness, death; things which are not.
As a pastor, I am bound by a divine command to give my life for those whom I love, and that includes all Salvadorans, even those who are going to kill me.
So sweet love seemed that April morn. When first we kissed beside the thorn, So strangely sweet, it was not strange We thought that love could never change.
I'm writing mostly to thank you for living you eighty years and to tell you I love you and think of you often.
Come live with me and be my love, And we will all the pleasures prove, That valleys, groves, hills, and fields, Woods, or steepy mountain yields.