Good morning:
Around this time of year especially there are many students who would wholeheartedly echo Solomon when he says, “Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body” (Eccl. 12:12). Yet Solomon was not anti-education, not by any means. God gave him extraordinary wisdom in both earthly and spiritual matters. He had a keen interest in observing and learning about all that God created. “He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish” (1 Kings 4:32-33). Education is a good thing. We never want to stop learning.
Still, Solomon recognized that worldly knowledge and wisdom is wearisome because it doesn’t satisfy our deepest hunger. It doesn’t give lasting peace. It doesn’t solve our greatest problem or remove our greatest fears. There is a higher, better, all-important wisdom which only God can give. It fills the emptiness inside with the message of his unconditional love for all people, no matter who they are. It gives the peace of knowing that since Jesus paid for all sin, rose in victory, and ascended in glory, all is now well between us and God. It removes the fear of death and replaces it with the confidence that Jesus will return to raise all believers to eternal life. We look forward to a home where God will wipe away every tear. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.
While we may get tired of certain books and too much study, may our love for the Lord and his Word grow greater throughout our lifetime. The more of the Word we take in, the more we want, and the more the Spirit fills our hearts with understanding and faith. Too much of a good thing? Never!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor
Tomorrow is our annual Education Sunday in which we focus on the importance and blessings of Christian education for all of us. The service is at 9 a.m. Pastor Andrew Schaller of Luther Memorial, Fond du Lac will be our guest preacher. A fellowship hour will follow the service. A brief Communion service will also be held after worship. No Sunday school or Bible class.
