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None Were Perfect, July 25
This priceless treasure we hold, so to speak, in a common earthenware
jar—to show that the splendid power of it belongs to God and not to us.
2
Corinthians 4:7
, Phillips.
[191]
All the disciples had serious faults when Jesus called them to His service.
Even John, who came into closest association with the meek and lowly One, was
not himself naturally meek and yielding. He and his brother were called “the
sons of thunder.” While they were with Jesus, any slight shown to Him aroused
their indignation and combativeness. Evil temper, revenge, the spirit of criticism,
were all in the beloved disciple. He was proud, and ambitious to be first in the
kingdom of God. But day by day, in contrast with his own violent spirit, he beheld
the tenderness and forbearance of Jesus, and heard His lessons of humility and
patience. He opened his heart to the divine influence, and became not only a
hearer but a doer of the Saviour’s words. Self was hid in Christ. He learned to
wear the yoke of Christ and to bear His burden.
Jesus reproved His disciples, He warned and cautioned them; but John and his
brethren did not leave Him; they chose Jesus, notwithstanding the reproofs. The
Saviour did not withdraw from them because of their weakness and errors. They
continued to the end to share His trials and to learn the lessons of His life. By
beholding Christ, they became transformed in character....
As His representatives among men, Christ does not choose angels who have
never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions with those they seek to save....
Having been in peril themselves, they are acquainted with the dangers and
difficulties of the way, and for this reason are called to reach out for others in like
peril. There are souls perplexed with doubt, burdened with infirmities, weak in
faith, and unable to grasp the Unseen; but a friend whom they can see, coming
to them in Christ’s stead, can be a connecting link to fasten their trembling faith
upon Christ.
We are to be laborers together with the heavenly angels in presenting Jesus to
the world.
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