The Inspiring Life of Rev John Ross: A Devotional Reflection
The story of Rev John Ross is a powerful reminder of how God can use a christian individual, living in a remote corner of the world, to bring lasting change, even in the most difficult circumstances. Born on July 6, 1842, at Broomton Cottage, Easter March, near the village of Balintore, John's early life was shaped by the rich Gaelic culture and the strong Christian influence of his family. He grew up fluent in both Gaelic and English, which gave him a solid foundation for the linguistic challenges he would later face in mission work. His family's deep Christian faith, rooted in their involvement with the local United Presbyterian Church, instilled in him a strong work ethic. Raised by his father, a tailor, and his mother, a schoolteacher, his bilingual upbringing would eventually help him master several other languages, including Mandarin, Korean, and Manchu.
Answering the Call: Faith Over Comfort
John attended the theological hall of the United Presbyterian Church between 1865 and 1870, where he felt a growing sense of calling to missionary work. During his studies, he served as a church worker in various United Presbyterian churches, including in Lismore, Glasgow, Inverness, Stornoway, and Portree on the Isle of Skye. His experience in these communities not only strengthened his pastoral skills but also expanded his vision for how the Gospel could reach people from all walks of life.
It was during this period that John’s sense of missionary vocation was confirmed, especially after hearing a talk by Hamilton MacGill, the secretary of the denomination’s foreign mission board. After completing theological studies, and after much prayer and reflection, John was appointed to China in 1872. He married Mary Anne Stewart shortly before they set sail, but tragedy struck soon after their arrival. In February 1873, just months after the birth of their son Drummond, John's wife passed away. Grieving deeply, John leaned into his faith and threw himself into missionary work, trusting God to give him strength and purpose in the midst of his sorrow. Even in this season of intense grief, John did not turn away from God's calling. Instead, he pressed on, trusting that God had a purpose for his life and ministry.
John Ross's perseverance is a reminder that God doesn't always promise an easy path, but He promises to be with us through every hardship. Like John, we are called to lean on God's strength when the road becomes difficult, knowing that our work in His name is never in vain. John found that God's grace was sufficient to carry him through the darkest of days, and so can we.
Trusting God's People: Empowering Others for Ministry
One of the most remarkable aspects of John’s ministry was his belief in training local believers to lead their own churches. Unlike many missionaries of his time, he did not view local Christians merely as converts but as fellow workers in God’s Kingdom. In Manchuria, he trained Chinese believers to spread the Gospel, and he laid the groundwork for an independent, self-sustaining church. His vision for indigenous leadership extended to Korea as well, where he worked tirelessly to translate the New Testament into Korean, with the first portions published in 1882.
The translation of the Korean New Testament had a profound effect. Long before foreign missionaries arrived in Korea, copies of John Ross’s translation were already being circulated, leading many to faith. John believed that having the Bible in a person’s native language was essential for spiritual growth and transformation, and the Korean New Testament became the foundation for the rapid expansion of Christianity in Korea.
As Christians today, we are reminded that God has given each of us unique gifts to use for His glory. Whether we are teaching, encouraging, or serving in any other capacity, we all have a role to play in the growth of God's Kingdom. John Ross's life calls us to support and encourage one another with our various gifts, trusting that God can use each of us for His glory. His commitment to empowering local believers and bringing the Scriptures to people in their own language highlights the profound impact of allowing the Holy Spirit to work through God's Word to transform lives.
The Power of God's Word: Bringing the Bible to Korea
One of the greatest achievements of his ministry, of course, was the translation of the New Testament into the Korean language in 1887. He worked closely with a group of Korean Christians to ensure the translation was accurate and accessible to ordinary people. This translation allowed thousands of Koreans to read the Bible in their own language for the first time, and it sparked a wave of conversions as people encountered the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.
This accomplishment reveals the incredible power of God's Word when illuminated by the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit, working through Scripture, that transforms hearts and brings about spiritual renewal. John understood that providing the Bible in a person’s native language was essential to allowing the Spirit to speak directly to them. Just as the Holy Spirit used the Korean New Testament to bring spiritual revival, God continues to work through His Word today. As we read and study the Bible, we should never take for granted the privilege of having Scripture in our own language. When we immerse ourselves in its truths, the Holy Spirit can bring renewal and growth in our hearts and communities.
Serving in Hard Times: Faith During Trials
John and his fellow missionaries faced immense challenges during their time in Manchuria, especially during the wars and conflicts that ravaged the region between 1894 and 1905. The Sino-Japanese War, the Boxer Rebellion, and the Russo-Japanese War brought destruction and fear to the local people, including many new Christian believers. Yet, through these difficult times, he and his colleagues provided spiritual care, medical help, and physical support to those in need.
The church in Manchuria grew stronger during these trials, and by the end of John's missionary career, there were over 20,000 Christians in the region. This growth in the midst of hardship is a testimony to God's faithfulness. The church is often refined and strengthened during times of suffering, and this was certainly true for the Manchurian Christians.
As believers, we may face trials of our own — whether personal struggles, opposition to our faith, or challenges within our communities. John's life reminds us that God is with us in those times, and He can use even the most difficult situations to grow His church and strengthen our faith. We are never alone in our struggles, and through Christ, we can emerge stronger and more steadfast in our commitment to Him.
Building for the Future: A Legacy of Faith
In the later years of his life, he would focus on building up the next generation of Christian leaders by founding a theological college in Mukden. He understood that the future of the church depended on well-trained, spiritually grounded leaders. His work in establishing this college ensured that the Christian community would continue to thrive long after he was gone.
Today, as we reflect on John Ross's legacy, we are reminded of the importance of investing in the future. Whether it's through teaching, mentoring, or simply encouraging the younger generation, we all have a responsibility to help raise up new leaders in the faith. John's dedication to equipping others for ministry is a challenge for us to do the same — to think not just about our own spiritual growth, but how we can help others grow in their walk with Christ.
Conclusion: A Life of Faithful Service
The life of John Ross is an inspiring example of what it means to serve God faithfully, even in the face of loss, hardship, and uncertainty. From his small beginnings in Balintore, John went on to impact thousands of lives in China and Korea through his love for God and his dedication to spreading the Gospel. His story reminds us that God can use any one of us, from any background, to do great things for His Kingdom.
As Christians, we are called to trust God, to encourage one another, to immerse ourselves in His Word, and to serve faithfully no matter the challenges we face. May the life of John Ross inspire us to grow deeper in our faith and to commit ourselves fully to the work of Christ in the world.
DESCRIPTION
Born in the northeast of Scotland, John Ross arrived in Manchuria in 1872 and spent 40 years of his life there. He left behind an amazing legacy of culturally sensitive evangelism, established presbyterian churches, innovative missionary principles, valuable publications, and a rich vein of translations, including the first version of the New Testament in Korean.
AUTHOR
John Stuart Ross’s riveting biography tracks not only his life, but also the social, political and spiritual influences which shaped his life and work. God is still using John Ross’s labours to grow his Kingdom in South and North Korea today.
