I first saw The Sorcerer’s Apprentice when I was a little boy. It is part of Disney’s film “Fantasia.” Mickey Mouse is the protagonist. He is the apprentice whose master has gone away leaving Mickey to carry water from the well. It is hard work and with no one watching the apprentice casts a spell on a broom so that it will carry the water. But soon it goes awry. The brooms multiply until Mickey is almost drowning in the water being carried in. He lost control.
Many years passed before I first read Ephesians 5:1 – “Be imitators of God.” Paul is speaking of imitating God’s character but I wanted to imitate His power. I wanted to be like Elijah, Elisha, Peter or John. I wanted to say, “Rise and walk.” And I could not understand why God would not allow me to help people. It was then as an adult I once again watched The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and then I understood.
I would misuse it. I would use it for self. I would abuse it and like Mickey abusing his master’s power; soon it would destroy me and those around me. It is not a matter of God not wanting to share. It is His wisdom that knows better. In Ephesians 4:13 Paul speaks of our attaining a whole measure of the fullness of Christ. It sounds wonderful. It makes me hungry. I once heard a preacher say he like Elisha wanted a double portion. Frankly, I would be happy with 50%. Fortunately we are the children of a very wise Father who is vigilant and diligent in His gift giving. We don’t give a Ferrari to someone too immature to have a driver’s license.
Written by Roger Bothwell on December 17, 2013
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St.Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org