Haven’t the last few years been a doozy as far as educators are concerned? Think of all we have had to unpack with our students and deal with beyond the classroom. COVID, the war in Ukraine, masks, constantly changing regulations, political unrest, high gas prices, inflation. And that’s just the general stuff. We all have had to deal with personal issues and suffering communities on various levels.
But take heart! As we head back to the classroom, we have the words of Jesus. He reminds us that in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33). He doesn’t end there. He reminds us that he has overcome the world! This is a message we are privileged to share with our students and their families. While it is easy to get caught up in the shifting shadows of life (James 1:17), I invite you to look at this new school year through the lens of the Father who does not change and who is faithful. Resist looking through the lens of the world.
Throughout Scripture, many references toward our Triune God describe who he is, what he is like, or what he does. In Genesis 22, Jehovah Jireh was the location where Isaac was bound as a burnt sacrifice to the Lord. Imagine being in Abraham’s sandals. All of a sudden the high gas prices and masks don’t seem so bad! Abraham named it after God provided a ram to take the place of his long-awaited and promised son. Jehovah Jireh means “the Lord will provide”.
I recently had the opportunity to see the 4-time Grammy award winning band Maverick City Music. I highly recommend listening to them. They’re everywhere on Christian radio. The popular song Jireh celebrates and acknowledges that our God is a God who provides. That was enough for Abraham, and that is enough for us. May God richly bless your year, and may He always be enough for you.
Jacob Sitze, Christ Lutheran School, La Mesa, CA