Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Message from Jim Callahan, High School Teacher

Acts 17:32-34 ESV Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them. Acts

These verses are the end of the record of the Apostles Paul’s witness on Mars Hill in ancient Athens. Paul was invited to address the Areopagus so that they might know more about this “new teaching” that proclaimed Jesus and the resurrection. The conclusion of Paul’s address was that all men everywhere ought to repent because the day of righteous judgment is coming. The proof of this is the resurrection of Jesus. What was the result of Paul’s address? The immediate result was that some believed .The exact number that immediately responded in faith is not known from the text. However, it appears that the great majority did not. Furthermore, we do not know form the text what the long term result were. If only a few believed, then did this discourage Paul? No it did not. Paul performed his duty well and was not anxious about the results of his witness which in reality were out of his control.

One application of this passage for teachers is that we must, by God’s grace, seek to be faithful to God’s truth in the classroom regardless of the immediate results. This is not a new point for most of us. However, this is a point that we need to be reminded of from time to time. It is very encouraging to see immediate positive result form our classroom efforts. This does not always happen. In fact, sometimes this is the exception rather than the rule. A number of years ago a former college student of mine told me that something I said in class years earlier was used by God to bring about his conversion. My friends we have every reason to be encouraged. The presentation of God’s word will accomplish its ordained purpose. We may live to see it or we may not. Our observation of results or lack there of does not have great importance. What ultimately matters is that God’s glory will be displayed in, by and unto His creatures by the proclamation of His holy truth.

2 comments:

  1. Jim,

    Thanks for the reminder. The seeds of faith we plant now may not germinate for awhile, but God's word endures--and will not return void.

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  2. Jim, what a wonderful reminder as we toil day by day to one day see our students come to know Christ. This race is not run in vain! Prasie the Lord!

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