Читать книгу Beyond the Horizon - Harry A. Renfree - Страница 72

March 06

In an interview of a rather notable person, published in the papers some years ago, the reporter stated: “I understand, sir, that you are a self–made man.”

“Well,” was the rather slow response, “I suppose I might be called a self–made man.” And he paused, then added somewhat ruefully: “But if I had it to do over again, I think I’d call in a little help.”

We live in the kind of world where self–made people are greatly admired. Starting with very little and often under difficult conditions, they have accomplished a great deal in the world’s eyes. That’s the secular world, and the attainments are great wealth, great position, and great power. These things alone never quite spell peace and contentment. As life nears its conclusion, these attainments become increasingly meaningless.

That’s why Jesus’ conversation with his apostles about the vine and the branches is so very significant. The setting was just before the crucifixion. Following the Last Supper in a Jerusalem upper room, the eleven (Judas had slipped away to commit his terrible act of betrayal) met to talk with Jesus in His final, solemn hours.

“I am the vine;” Jesus said, “You are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). No self–made persons there. The wonder of it all is that we are not self–made but God–made . . . the One who made us in creation is the One who makes us in re-creation—new birth, if you like.

Like the branch in the vine or in the tree, as long as we remain attached to our Master, we will grow, be successful, and produce much fruit—God–made men and women.