In the classroom setting, all eyes, ears and attention are on the teacher, what he is speaking and placing on the blackboard. Knowledge, and in rare cases, wisdom is being imparted to the students and the purpose is not just so they learn those items, but to apply them in their lives.
“A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” (Gal. 5:9)
Historical documentation, relevant and seemingly irrelevant names and places, the way of the world and the way of the Almighty’s design for man and the nature of God Himself are all found in the Scriptures, yet many miss what it is the Lord would have us to know, understand in faith, and apply in our lives as they sit in His classroom.
“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1st Peter 1:16)
Justification, sanctification and finally glorification, a Sovereign, Righteous, Immortal Lord over all creation, over all reality calling out to the only part of His creation that He has imbued with an eternal living soul.
“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Gen. 2:7)
The Teacher speaks to all in the classroom, revealing to all His eternal power and Godhead, all hear His words, see clearly those invisible things, but few hear and pay rapt attention to what He says. Those who respond He pays more attention to, offering them more than knowledge of how this world works, of its sinful ways, but teaches them wisdom as well, wisdom in how to discern between good and evil, Spiritual discernment so that they may understand and hear properly what He is saying, revealing truths to them that those who sit in that same classroom cannot comprehend, for they have decided, through the deceit of their own pride, that they will be the masters of their own lives.
The one who speaks up in the classroom, who contemplates the words of the Teacher and asks questions about the subject matter, who desires to know more and that more fully, is the one the Teacher pays more attention to, instructing and when necessary, correcting to ensure they can understand properly what has been offered.
Some of the others in the room can hear the words and can answer all the questions properly on the test, but it is only head knowledge, the truths never reach their hearts.
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” (Matt. 7:22)
While the greater majority simply sit in the classroom, their imaginations like the waves of the ocean, pursuing their own desires, listening but never comprehending what the Teacher is saying.
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Those whom He has blessed to hear His truths are taught how to reveal those truths to others, they are instructed on how to recognize those who have also heard and accepted those truths, as well as what to do when encountering those who have denied them.
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” (Matt. 7:6)
We who have been called and chosen do not see the Scriptures as a textbook that must be studied, but as a book offered in love to those who love Him because He first loved us. The student is given a full time Tutor, one who will instruct him or her in paths of righteousness, in the safe and secure, yet at times hazardous path to the straight gate that leads to the Teacher’s Kingdom. There they will be rewarded and given the greatest of all gifts.
“After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” (Gen. 15:1)
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)
Not for the sake of knowledge alone, but so that knowledge will be applied daily for His glory.
