We still have more to learn - January 30
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 56, 57, [58]; PM Psalm 64, 65; Isa. 51:17-23; Gal. 4:1-11; Mark 7:24-37
There is a rather famous sentiment that is often attributed to Mark Twain. Whether he said it or not, it’s a really brilliant idea. “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.” I think every parent gets the sentiment. I was certainly that boy, although it took me a lot longer than seven years to realize how foolish I had been. Elders are filled with wisdom that often our immaturity and arrogance keep us from seeing.
In Paul’s letter to Galatians, Paul uses this idea of childhood as a metaphor for the life of faith. “While we were minors, we were enslaved to the elemental spirits of the world.” It is not just that we have to be set for by Christ, we don’t even know what we need. But now that Christ has redeemed our lives, we can learn to see the world.
Paul continues, “Now, however, that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and beggarly elemental spirits?” He is making the claim Jesus has caused us to grow and our life is different because of that growth.
When I was a teenager, I thought I knew everything. I wonder how much I think I know about God and the love that Christ calls us into, and still how much I have yet to learn. Maybe, I’m the 21-year-old, astonished at how much my old man has learned in seven years, still clueless to the way my father really works, loves, and calls us into life. Might mean there is still a lot of growing up to do.
John+
Questions for Self-Reflection: When have you learned that you don’t know what you needed to know? What are some humbling moments of self-growth? How frequently do you experience that kind of learning?
Daily Challenge: Think of a time when you learned that one of your parents knew a lot more than you realized.