Everyone Needs a Teacher
He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.46 He told them, "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." Luke 24:44-49
Insight
As a kid, I spent countless nights at the kitchen table grumbling and pulling my hair out, frustrated over math homework. Give me a reading or writing assignment - no problem. But, put numbers in front of me, and my good mood would subtract while discouragement would multiple.
Fortunately, I had a very patient, loving dad who also happened to be a numbers wizard. So, he'd sit next to me and talk about each problem, explaining the logic, formulas, and reasoning behind it. He'd point out my mistakes and encourage me when I got an answer right. Little by little, things started to click, and, as a result, I gained confidence.
It doesn't matter if it's math homework or reading Scripture; if something is unfamiliar and intimidating, we interact with it tentatively or avoid it altogether. As believers, we know the Bible is important, and that we should read it, but it's a confusing and intimidating book that, at face value, brings up more questions than answers. We don't know where it came from, what we're supposed to do with it, or how to engage with these words of faith. We get overwhelmed that there is so much to learn and know.
Handling Scripture well seems a skill best reserved for pastors, scholars, and experts - not us. But we are ALL called to be a student of God's Word. He invites ALL of us to "taste and see' that He is good. Posturing ourselves as lifelong learners requires humility and giving ourselves the grace to practice.
When I read today's passage, those nights around the dinner table with my dad come to mind. Every student needs a teacher or tutor. My dad taught me math, and God provides us with a community and the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to Scripture.
God's heart for humanity is Jesus, and encountering this truth in Scripture elicits a response - joy, obedience, confession, etc. We look to Scripture for communion rather than mere explanation or application. We not only catch a glimpse of Christ when we reflect on the words, but we also shine a light on who we are and who we were made to be.
We read Scripture, but Scripture also reads us. We can't consume it in isolation or rely solely on our limited perspective and interpretation. God intended the Bible to be read in community, with reliance on the Holy Spirit, and in submission to the Lordship of Jesus. So, today, come to the table and learn.
Reflection
How would you describe the way you approach Scripture?
Prayer
God, I desire to know Your heart and character, and since Scripture sheds light on it, I will devour it. I'm thankful for the gift of the Holy Spirit, and I pray that its presence in my life will open my eyes to the wisdom found in Your Word. Amen.