It Sounds Arrogant, But You Really Are “The Master of Your Fate” (Gospel Light Minute X #388)

This is the “chief of sinners,” Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society International, with the Gospel Light Minute X Podcast #388 titled, “It Sounds Arrogant, But You Really Are ‘The Master of Your Fate’.” I’m here to remind you of what the Bible says, that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” like you and me.

These haunting and thought-provoking words were written by the nineteenth century poet William Ernest Henley in a poem entitled “INVICTUS”. Henley was well known at the time in England, but, is best known today for the last line of this poem, which was written from a hospital bed as he suffered with tuberculosis. This line has been quoted in books, movies, and tattooed by many. It was quoted by Winston Churchill, Ashleigh Brilliant, and many people give Nelson Mandela credit for this phrase because he quoted it so often.

The words seem almost arrogant and defiant. However, if you will just think about it for a minute, these words are, oh, so true. You really are master of your own fate and the captain of your own soul.

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GLMX #152: Does Nelson Mandela Know the Lord Jesus Christ?

This past week, people in South Africa and around the world have been gripped by the news that anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela has once again been hospitalized, and that he is in critical condition. Ongoing prayer vigils are being held in South Africa each night for his recovery. Starting in 1952, Mandela rose to prominence in the African National Congress party, and he began to lead a campaign against the apartheid practices of the government. The government, angered by his activities, had him arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment on Robbin Island. He spent 27 years in prison, and was finally released after an international campaign calling for him to be freed.

Back in South Africa, which was being torn apart by civil strife, Mandela published his autobiography, was once again re-elected as president of the African National Congress, and led negotiations with then South African President F.W. de Klerk to abolish apartheid and establish multiracial elections. The negotiations were successful, and in 1994, Mandela was elected as president of South Africa. He served for five years in that role, and he was celebrated and praised by the leaders of other nations and people around the world. Even today, the people of South Africa see him as a beloved leader who delivered their country from a very dark and difficult period.

Now, at 94 years old, Nelson Mandela is in the twilight of his life, and he faces the same path that every person who has ever lived has faced and will face for the Bible says, “It is appointed unto men once to die and after this, the judgment.” At this point in his life, Mandela’s accomplishments, accolades, and wonderful leadership mean little. As he faces death and eternity, the only thing that matters now is, does Nelson Mandela know Jesus Christ as His Saviour? When he dies will he go to Heaven to be with the Lord?

+ Plus, listen to the Soweto Gospel Choir singing “O Happy Day”