Today’s scripture: John 1:35-42 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
“They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher). . .”
I’m so proud of my niece Adriane! She just completed vet tech school, a 16-month program she calls “the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.” She would spend at least two hours each night after class studying, and then all weekend. One of her most challenging assignments involved placing a stomach tube down a 400 pound calf’s throat. Adriane’s partner held the playful animal’s head still while Adriane inserted the large tube all the way down to the rumen — one of the four compartments in a cow’s stomach. Then, to make sure the tube had reached the right place, she had to smell the tube for gastric juices. Well, she reached it just right, and the “worst sulfur smell ever” was the confirmation!
My cousin Jamie is another inspiration to me. He earned a doctorate in music in a four-and-a-half-year program, during which he would often spend 12 to 14 hours per day practicing piano, writing music, and studying. He also did some enlightening research. Beginning with the great teachers he had at Indiana University School of Music, he traced his lineage of teachers all the way back to Liszt, Beethoven, and J.S. Bach. It was kind of like discovering a family tree of teachers! Jamie tells me Bach dedicated every piece of his music to the glory of God, and wrote “help me Jesus” at the beginning of each piece. Jamie believes that when he writes music, the notes aren’t coming from him, but from God.
Adriane and Jamie’s dedication prompt me to ask, What am I willing to spend in order to learn from God? Some things are so worthwhile that we make a decision to spend money, time, and effort in order to attain them. We invest. Am I willing to spend even a portion of the time Adriane and Jamie spent? Am I willing to wait years for “graduation?”
But how do we learn? One of the best times for me to learn is when I’m praising God and praying for others. It’s amazing the insight God gives during prayer. Weekly worship services and discipleship classes also are powerful opportunities. Another great opportunity is the example of others. Whether it’s a friend, loved one, or even someone I don’t know well at all, the living, breathing example of another person speaks volumes. On the other hand, diving into a good book or movie that has lessons to teach can also be useful. Sometimes work can be the greatest teacher. Or, maybe God is inspiring me to train for a new career, like Adriane.
In the end, I think the answer is synergistic. God causes many different learning experiences to work together in order for us to develop deeper and wider understanding. The process is slow and arduous, but it leads to a rich, abundant life. Boredom and emptiness fade, while meaning and purpose prevail.
Thought for the day: As Proverbs 2 says, the Lord gives wisdom and understanding. Thank you Lord, that every moment presents a golden opportunity to learn from You!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.
A message from Pastor Jeff for those who live far from our Church