But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26
It’s always been interesting to me that, when God really wants something done, He sends a teacher. Jesus was called Rabbi (Hebrew for “teacher”) by many in his teaching. community. While on Earth, he went about healing and turning water into wine and, of course, teaching. Then, after the death and resurrection and before he ascends to the right hand of the Father, he sends the Holy Spirit who just happens to be…a teacher. Even in the wilderness and in exile, when God needed to teach the Israelites how to live in harmony, he sent a “syllabus” called the Torah.
Clearly, teaching and teachers are central to God’s overall way of engaging with us. God loves, so God teaches. In its pure and adulterated form, teaching is an act of supreme love. This is why I’ve grown t o appreciate my own teachers more and more over the years, even the ones whose methods of instruction and discipline I did not value at the time. The vast majority of my teachers were not “those could not do” but those who did so well and loved so deeply that teaching emerged as their natural vocation, their calling.
As the new school year takes shape, I am grateful for those of you who have dedicated your life to education in one form or another. I am grateful for those who continue to serve students and families in the community. I am hopeful that these public servants will understand just how valuable they are. Let us pray for and support those who have been called by God to shape the values and commitments of the individuals in our society. May God protect and guide them, as well as those entrusted to their care.
Blessings
Pastor Beau