READING: 1 Samuel 15-16, 1 Chronicles 1, Psalm 39, Acts 11
As a teacher, I think about teachers whose influence has changed my life. My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ullam, was my first role model as a teacher. My second grade teacher, Mrs. Rush, allowed me to help her setting up the classroom. My high school French teacher, Mrs. Goode (or “Mme Bonne”), strengthened my French, my writing, and my resolve to teach. College professor Milton Murphy, a long-time missionary to Israel, first grabbed my heart for the nations. Seminary professors Thom Rainer, Tim Beougher, Mark Terry, and George Martin modeled evangelism for me. I’m a different person because of all these teachers and others.
Still, though, I wonder what it might have been like to sit under the teaching of the Apostle Paul. Today’s text tells us that he and Barnabas stayed in Antioch and taught the believers for a whole year. Indeed, large numbers of people heard them teach. I can’t help but think about what the Antioch believers experienced as the apostle regularly taught gospel truths to them. Based on Paul’s writings, I doubt he ever “beat around the bush.” He surely prayerfully and obediently taught them what he knew the Spirit wanted him to teach. There must have been power in his teaching also, for many came to hear him teach over the year.
I’m reminded that we who teach the Word of God have an incredible and sobering responsibility. We cannot waste time by “chasing rabbits.” We must teach the Word clearly and convictionally. We must model what we teach, knowing we call others to adjust their lives in repentance. As teachers, we have the opportunity to change lives.
PRAYER: “Lord, I praise You for those who have taught me over the years. Help me to teach others.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Samuel 17, 1 Chronicles 2, Acts 12
