October 19th Reflection - The Teacher - by Bill Lynch

2 Timothy 3:14—4:5
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favourable or unfavourable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

Reflection
Yes, we can use Scripture for advice and counsel. We can turn to the Word to seek direction and understanding. We can look to the Bible and get the understanding we need to live in the grace of God as disciples of Jesus. For Scripture is the breath of the Holy Spirit. Scripture is the voice of life in God. Scripture is a gift to us to devour day after day and seek God in this life and all life.

But this doesn't mean we will ever come to fully understand Scripture. We will need teaching that is breathed by the Holy Spirit through teachers that are given to us by God. And even with these teachers we will only grasp a glimpse of the fullness of God. We will only hear a hint of the glory of what God has done through Jesus. We will only see a speck of the fullness of creation. And we will only begin to understand how the Spirit moves in and through all of God's people, places, time and space. Teachers will only be able to introduce us to God. Our journey with God is eternal.

Prayer
Lord, I give you thanks for Teachers. Teachers who out of love and understanding and patience, endure my ignorance to give me a glimpse of your glory. As I walk through this life may I always listen carefully to your son, Jesus, my Teacher and my source of life... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen