Last night my grandson made his first visit to our house, the house of his mother's childhood , and we were all very excited. He was passed around and cooed at , smooched and even welcomed by our 2 dogs , Pedro and Ladybug.
I was privileged to hold him while I was studying my Hebrew lessons and my daughter even made a comment about him learning Hebrew by association. Also , a friend asked if I was starting his Theology and Hebrew studies and suggested to sow as many seeds in him while he was young so he would be a great witness for the Lord , to which I fully agreed.
I have to admit though, it has been very difficult lately to comprehend and memorize all the words necessary to be at least an average student of Hebrew. That may be partly due to working in extreme weather and being tired, or having a lot of housework , or just a lot of busy-ness , but the point is more time and effort is required of me to learn and apply what needs to be learned. I have recognized I must try harder and persevere through this tough spot . I have also decided that no matter how difficult it is , that quitting is not an option. I live by the scripture:
2Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Before I awoke this morning the thoughts were impressed upon me that learning a foreign language was a lot like learning the word of God at times. The "world" has one definition of how things should be and the word of God teaches the opposite of that definition. Sometimes it seems so strange and impossible to understand yet it is His great gift to the world .
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Unfortunately those who follow after ungodly things and those who live to please the "world", do not like nor understand the word and even persecute those that do .
John 17:14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
The reason learning the word of God can be compared to learning a foreign language is because it appears , at first glance, to be confusing or difficult to understand . One may think they have to have a degree to even comprehend it. That is not true . The word is a light . It is pure and righteous and the Holy Spirit is here to teach us and shine the light in the darkness of our understanding . Unfortunately , darkness likes to remain dark , therefore it hates the light . This struggle is a part of the constant battle we face , and as believers we are supposed to be shining forth this light , learning and living the word as well as speaking it to others.
Pastors can be compared to teachers of a foreign language , who with great patience are trying to teach those in their care , something that may be totally beyond their understanding. They are supposed to be setting the standard and have a great understanding of this word we all desire to learn. They have to teach students that are at different levels of understanding , and maturity.
They have to come with great patience for the young and tolerance of the youthful accompanied by direction for their great excitement and energy. They must also bring the meat of the word to the mature in Christ , while maintaining a blameless walk so as not to make others that are weaker stumble and fall. They have to avoid any and all appearances of evil so those following can see the word lived out through their lives . Ergo the statement , "practice what you preach" is used.
This takes a lot of preparation on the part of the Holy Spirit who is the most patient teacher of all because, Pastors are nothing more than eternal students of the Holy Spirit . Teachers of the word may know a lot of it , but are always learning as well and should never think more highly of themselves than they ought:
Rom. 12:3 For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith.
Whether you are walking in the light or in the darkness, whether you are the teacher or student it is not impossible to understand and learn the word of God. What seems like an insurmountable feat , with perseverance , will become easier for Jesus taught :
Matt. 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.
Decide that no matter how difficult it is , quitting is not an option. I pray the Holy Spirit guides you into all truth and that if you don't have a teacher that He sends you one. Until then , pick up the book and read. God bless you in all you do.
