WITH THE first cup of steaming coffee in my hand and the stiffness still in my joints, I gently ease into my spot on the couch. A fresh, new day offers a blank page, although the to-do list in my mind has grabbed the pen and began scribbling. Yesterday’s recycled stories and overnight news shout over the cardinals chirping prtty, prtty, prtty outside my window. One sings of hope, the other despair.
From natural disasters, war, shootings, and political disagreements to financial downturns, market predictions, gas prices, and contract disputes, the messages roll over me like a severe thunderstorm predicted from the same newsroom. Lightning- quick flashes of gunfire and bombs explode from the television screen. Thundering disagreements in school board meetings and council sessions play out before my eyes, and soundbites blasting reports of social injustices repeat every 15 minutes. Scrolling through my phone, I find more of the same.
“But, God, why?” groans my spirit. The answers come from a teacher. Thanks to the teacher that sacrificed His life, our prayers of “But, God.” do not fall on deaf ears. They are answered in the Word with “But, God, …”
But, God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us (Eph 2:4), sent us more than a teacher. He sent a savior.
In his lifetime, Jesus taught the multitudes. He taught on seashores, from boats, in the temple, in fields, by a well, in homes, and from Mt. Olive. Everywhere He went, He taught. The gospels are saturated with the teachings of Jesus. He taught all the way to the cross.
Jesus stood between His students and the one who comes to kill, steal, and destroy. His life, death, and resurrection made way for us to be heard and healed by God.
Today’s connection to the internet and social media puts an immediate face on evil when a tragic event occurs. With these images in mind, it’s a constant struggle to remember the face of the true enemy. Paul tells us it’s not flesh and blood we’re wrestling. The battle against darkness is real and takes place in high places. Paul gives us our body armor in Ephesians 6. We’ve got to keep fighting!
No matter our profession, someone is watching us, learning from us. We are teachers, and what we teach matters.
May the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus shine brighter than the darkness in this world. May our prayers and work as helpers in this world always reflect His love, mercy, and saving grace. May we become greater students of the Word and blaze trails that change headlines and the world. GN
