How many of us want to go back to school? For some, later July or early August is the month to launch another year of school. Teachers take time to prepare. Hopefully some students do a little preparing. Even parents may be in the preparation zone.
People in Bible times went to school. Moses went to school to learn how to be a great leader. Then he went back to school to unlearn some of the approaches he had been taught. He graduated from unlearning school after just forty years and got a job offer right away – from God no less (Exodus 3:10).
Who would have guessed, even prophets went to school? 2 Kings 6 records a time when the students at the prophets school were involved in expanding the space for classes. One of the sons of the prophets had a borrowed axe that came apart. The head flew off the handle and sank into the water nearby. Science lab was especially interesting that day as the students got to see iron swim (2 Kings 6:6). Don’t you wish you had been in that class?
As we read the first chapter of Daniel, we are reminded that Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah went to school in Babylon. Their term was a three year program of gaining wisdom and knowledge, understanding science, acquiring a language, learning culture, and acquiring basic court manners (Daniel 1:4). These Hebrews were dedicated students and passed their finals with flying colors due to God’s blessing (1:17 & 20).
Jesus was a Master Teacher. He was able to tutor even those who were unlearned and ignorant. After time with Jesus, students like Peter and John progressed so far that people were amazed (Acts 4:13).
We get the idea that even in Heaven, we will be able to go to school. Obviously there is a great deal to learn about God and His unequaled creation. There are lessons to be gained from the plan of salvation. And with Jesus to teach us, there is hope for our minds to be expanded and fortified with truth.
In the meantime, lets seek to be students of the Master each day of our lives. And lets give thanks for teachers who are willing to learn from the Master and share their insights with those of us who are fortunate enough to be in their classrooms.
Would you take time to pray for both students and teachers in our church family as they begin a fresh round of learning? And pray for those in our surrounding communities as well.