Call by the Sea
201
through education in the most scientific schools. It is the fruit of
wisdom that is obtained from the divine Teacher alone.
Jesus chose unlearned fishermen because they had not been
schooled in the traditions and erroneous customs of their time. They
were men of native ability, and they were humble and teachable,—men
whom He could educate for His work. In the common walks of life
there is many a man patiently treading the round of daily toil, uncon-
scious that he possesses powers which, if called into action, would
raise him to an equality with the world’s most honored men. The touch
of a skillful hand is needed to arouse those dormant faculties. It was
such men that Jesus called to be His colaborers; and He gave them
the advantage of association with Himself. Never had the world’s
great men such a teacher. When the disciples came forth from the
Saviour’s training, they were no longer ignorant and uncultured. They
had become like Him in mind and character, and men took knowledge
of them that they had been with Jesus.
It is not the highest work of education to communicate knowledge
merely, but to impart that vitalizing energy which is received through
the contact of mind with mind, and soul with soul. It is only life
that can beget life. What privilege, then, was theirs who for three
years were in daily contact with that divine life from which has flowed
every life-giving impulse that has blessed the world! Above all his
companions, John the beloved disciple yielded himself to the power of
that wondrous life. He says, “The life was manifested, and we have
seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which
was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.” “Of His fullness
have all we received, and grace for grace.”
1 John 1:2
;
John 1:16
.
In the apostles of our Lord there was nothing to bring glory to
themselves. It was evident that the success of their labors was due
only to God. The lives of these men, the characters they developed,
and the mighty work that God wrought through them, are a testimony
to what He will do for all who are teachable and obedient.
He who loves Christ the most will do the greatest amount of good.
There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, by putting self aside,
[251]
makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives
a life wholly consecrated to God. If men will endure the necessary
discipline, without complaining or fainting by the way, God will teach
them hour by hour, and day by day. He longs to reveal His grace. If