Are yearbooks still a part of the high school tradition? Pictures of classmates, activities, sports and other events all add to the memories. We wrote humorous and encouraging notes to each other in our yearbooks; fun to read again.
Senior pictures sometimes included a special quote or saying. When I graduated from Bible college, we chose a scripture verse to go with our picture. My friend Paul used a verse from Ecclesiastes which says in part, “ … much study is a weariness of the flesh.” He wasn’t dismissing studying, just having fun, I think.
As school starts in session again, the learning process once more receives focus. Students have been learning all along, but now in the classroom it begins with purpose.
Jesus invited those who are carrying burdens to “Come unto me” and he gave a promise of rest. He wanted to make a connection and added, “learn of me.” There is much to learn about the Lord Jesus. It is a lifelong quest with great reward which will extend into eternity. The Gospels give a good account of the teaching Jesus shared and the miracles he performed. He claimed to be the Resurrection and the Life and demonstrated that power with his own resurrection.
Paul was an author and preacher in the Bible. He witnessed to many about the light he saw and the voice of Jesus he heard at his conversion. Governor Festus claimed there were questions “of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.” King Agrippa wanted to hear Paul for himself. Paul told of the light and voice at his conversion to the king and governor, who then accused Paul, “much learning doth make thee mad.” Paul replied that he was not mad but spoke the “words of truth.”
Paul warned in his letter to Timothy that it is possible to be, “Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” That is a sad circumstance with no benefits that the truth produces. Much better outcomes are available from having a “love of the truth.”
I didn’t take physics and calculus but I admire those who did. Those are subjects I wouldn’t attempt to study.
Can you imagine comprehending a concept that goes beyond knowledge? That is the case Paul presented in Ephesians chapter three. He wanted believers to “comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height” of the love of Christ. He added that the love of Christ passes knowledge. There will always be more to learn about his love.
Paul wrote in Romans chapter eight about the power of the love of Christ. He listed 17 disasters or dilemmas that we may experience in life. He affirmed the truth that we can be “more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Thankfully we can know that kind of love to keep us in any circumstance.
1 John 4:19 reads, “We love him because he first loved us.” Jesus showed that love on the cross. His prayer on the cross, “Father, forgive them” is where we start and continue in his love. It is an unfailing love worth knowing.
Mitch Glover is pastor of Sterling Pentecostal Church. Sunday services include Bible classes for all ages at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Bible study is Thursday at 7 p.m. Visit the services and our website, sterlingpentecostalchurch.com.
