Читать книгу Beyond the Horizon - Harry A. Renfree - Страница 40

February 03

I once read a thought—provoking description of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting “The Last Supper” by an art critic. The critic, in writing about the unity of the painting, is warm and fairly detailed in his praise of the artist’s skill in having everything point to the central figure, but not once does he name who the central figure is. Leonardo da Vinci knows, and so do many others that it was Jesus with His apostles at their “Last Supper” before their Master’s crucifixion. Even Judas was still in the picture. He had not yet slipped out into the night.

I wonder how many people wouldn’t have any idea what the painting is about as they face it for the first time—let alone recognize the central figure.

There is a long, gripping story in the Old Testament of Jacob, his 12 sons, and their families, who had settled in Egypt after one of those sons, Joseph, had become a dominant factor in Egypt. This new Israelite nation prospered until, as Exodus 1:8 says, “Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt.” The Israelites were then oppressed and made slaves.

I’m afraid that in our day, a generation is arising that knows not Jesus, who are oppressed by sin, made slaves to sin, and do not know how to escape. That gives each one of us who does know Jesus cause to say that we do indeed know Him. The Apostle Peter puts it this way: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15b)