| Strength and Beauty |
Chapter 24 |
Page 3 |
The little parable had its first interpretation in the death of Christ himself. Dying would be no misfortune for him; it was but the way to the higher, larger life into which it would introduce him. He was standing then face to face with the problem of his cross. It certainly seemed a terrible waste of precious life that was demanded. Would it not be better for him to avoid the sacrifice and live on, seeking refuge, perhaps, in another land? Quickly came the answer. The grain of wheat might be withheld from the sowing, but it would be only one clean, whole, shining grain then, without any increase, without any unfolding of its wondrous secret of life and fruitfulness. The only way for that blessed life to reach its full beauty, and for its mystery of good and glory to be wrought out, was for it to accept the cross. “If it die, it beareth much fruit.”
It is easy to understand how this came true in Christ’s life after he arose. No doubt his friends grieved over his dying, thinking it a terrible mistake. If only he had lived on to old age, continuing his ministry of love through the years, what blessings he would have left in the world! But his death in the blackness of crucifixion had quenched the light of his holy life. That was the end. What a waste! But we know how mistaken were all these grievings and regrettings of love. If Jesus had withheld himself from the cross there would have been one beautiful life prolonged for a few years more of holy teaching and of loving ministry. He gave his life – the grain of wheat fell into the ground and died, and we see the harvest today in Christianity, with all its blessings.
While this great law received its highest illustration in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is also the law of all spiritual life. Just after he had spoken his parable of the grain of wheat, the Master added, “He that loveth his life loseth it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” Thus the law is made to apply to all men and to all experiences. The way to fullness of life is through death. We may save ourselves from loss and cost and sacrifice, if we will; we may refuse to make the self denials which love demands of us; we may indulge ourselves, and decline to do the things for others which we are called to do, and which would require toil and pain. It will seem that we are saving our life, but really we are losing it. The way to our best in character and in fruitfulness is through death. We must die to live: we must lose to gain.
Page 3