SEPTEMBER 2008                                                                                         NUMBER 14

    FROM THE PASTOR’S PEN...

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
         He said to them, “Every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

     School is in session. Children, youth, college and tech students have returned to the drill of books, classes and instruction. One of the greatest callings in our society is to teach; to impart wisdom, moral values, as well as knowledge and practiced skill.
     Last week I visited one of our dear elders in the care facility who had been a one-room country school teacher. Seven students were in her charge and she confessed, “I had little or no training, just straight out of school with a little practice teaching only once a week.”  Today the preparation for teachers is extensive, expansive, and expensive. There are many governmental regulations that prescribe and dictate the content, presentation, and materials in local education.
     In Jesus’ day, teachers of the Law were also restricted by legal descriptions and interpretations of the content and tradition of their Scriptures – the Hebrew Bible, our Old Testament. Yet when Rabbi Jesus addressed the crowds on the hillside, by the sea, or in the Temple, His interpretation and understanding of the Word was fresh, unique, and astonishing.  He said things like, “It is written, but I tell you…” A new commandment (law) I give unto you…” Jesus taught the Word winged by the Spirit straight from the heart of God and brought forth the riches of the past traditions with the wealth of God’s Kingdom present in their midst in Him.
     Students are educated in all things about our world: geography, science, math, language, social studies and government, domestics, the arts, sports, physical education, social skills, and health. But only in the Church, the outpost of the Kingdom of God on earth, are they instructed in all the things needed to live in our world: love, peace, mercy, fellowship, forgiveness, moral courage, purity of character, and faith in God through Jesus Christ; that which transforms life and gives life its true and ultimate and eternal meaning.
     In our local schools many if not most teachers are committed to their students in and out of the classroom spending much time preparing lessons, correcting papers, encouraging and coaching students to give and do their best.  As Christians we are likewise called to encourage and coach one another to do and give our best for our Lord.
      In all the history of God’s people, teaching has held a high priority. So much so that the Master of Life Himself was addressed as Rabboni, Teacher. As it was then, so it is today; in the Kingdom of God, teaching is not secondary but just as essential as preaching in bringing and sustaining souls in Christ. And still today, by the Holy Spirit through His teachers, Jesus brings the riches of our traditions with the fresh perspective and wealth of God’s kingdom present among us.
      Praise God for those committed to teach in the name of Jesus. Pray that He will raise up more faith-filled teachers willing to instruct His way in His love; to teach as though a soul depends on it. 
      Remember all teachers, professors, and instructors in prayer. God’s blessing,

                                                                                                                                                                                         Pastor DeeAnn