Is it really August already? August means summer is drawing to a close. August means the pool parties, the days at the park, baseball, softball, and everything else will soon have to fight for room in the schedule along with school. For many young children, young adults, and older adults as well, August brings the start of another school year. If you don’t believe that school is here, all you need to do is take a trip to Wal-Mart, Target, or Meijer and you will find the “Back To School” section. It’s filled with pencils, crayons, glue sticks, erasers, pens, notebooks, loose leaf paper, binders, rulers; everything students need as they return to the classroom to learn.
Do you need to go back to school?
For some, those between the ages of 5 and 18, the answer is an obvious “yes,” even if they don’t want to admit it. For some the answer may not be so obvious, but it certainly is a “yes.” All need to go back to school in God’s Word. All need to continually be enrolled in Bible study. Over the last several weeks of worship at Beautiful Savior we have heard encouragements to do so in the words of our scripture readings. In Romans 15 we hear, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” In Colossians 2 we hear, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” In Luke 10 we saw how Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening to his word. God’s desire for all the people he has called as his own is that they constantly enroll as pupils in his school with the textbook of the Bible. Pencils, pens, and notebooks may be valuable tools as we study, but the only thing that needs to be on our supply list is God’s Word: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16)
The goal of our study of scripture is not a degree or a diploma. It’s not so that we can secure a greater salary when we enter the work force. The goal of our study of scripture is not even to secure our salvation. Jesus did that for us when he went to the cross and bought us as his very own with his blood as the price. The goal of our study of scripture is that we might be constantly built up in Christ. “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7)
So, are you ready to go back to school?
Reflection:
What are some ways you can personally enroll yourself in the study of God’s Word?
What special blessings have you found in your own life when you have been enrolled in the study of God’s Word?
Say a prayer asking God to strengthen and build you up as you study God's Word.