John 15:5-7
I am the vine; 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. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, and thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
Several years ago I read a brief biographical sketch about the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, who was the President at the close of the Civil War and a very interesting man. Let me give you just a few glimpses into what he was like. He graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point. His roommate was Fred Dent. Once when he was interviewed about what kind of man the President was, Fred Dent replied, “In all the time we roomed together, I never knew Ulysses to use a single vulgar or profane word.” Wow!
Fred spoke highly of Ulysses to his sister, Julia, and finally introduced them in 1844. Ulysses fell in love with Julia and began to court her. It is told that his proposal was somewhat unusual. They were crossing a stream and he told Julia to cling to him and he would see that they made it safely across. When they reached the other side, he told Julia that if she would cling to him the rest of their life, he would like for her to become his wife. SHE CLUNG! We are told that they were one of the most loving couples ever to occupy the White House. They insisted on being together on every occasion. They held hands and always enjoyed their times together. Their children reported that there was never any animosity between them.
Well, so much for today’s history lesson. But it is not merely history, but an example of how we can make a spiritual application. I believe we should always be looking for spiritual applications in the things we see or hear. The Lord wants us to cling closely to Him. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people view us as walking so close to God that it was as though we were holding hands? I do not desire for that to sound sacrilegious or flippant, but a word picture, no more than simply a word picture. An example of our love for the One who died in order that we might be as little children walking hand in hand with our Lord, in confidence, trust, and total dependence.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil