Study. The word itself generally conjures up images of days gone by when I was forced by parents and teachers to stop playing and having fun and focus on some subject in which I found no pleasure. Spelling words, word problems in math, science project, book reports. For some reason my earliest memories of study seem monotonous. Some (maybe you?) even claim to “hate” school, but what was really hated was being bored.
I will switch gears now to completely my Bible class lesson. I used to do my lesson on the 30-minute drive to services Sunday morning. As I got older and had a family, I tended to get busier, and I allowed myself to lose allotted Bible study time. I would study for work related things, but for some reason (no immediate repercussions?), Bible study was often pushed to a back burner.
What did Jesus do? Yes, Jesus knew the plan because He WAS part of the plan. But Jesus studied and shared His knowledge. Luke 2:41-52 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked them. “Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” . . . And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.”)
My reward (or punishment) for my study (or lack) of God’s word may not be immediate, but it is eternal. Paul encouraged Timothy to continue in study. 2 Timothy 3:14-15, 2:15.
If I am to decide to follow Jesus and share the good news and lead others to Him, I must study. A teacher cannot share what they do not know.
“Imprint these words of mine on your hearts and minds, bind them as a sign on your hands, and let them be a symbol on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 11:18-19