Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

“The Yearn to Learn”
“…a mindful person relishes wisdom ...” – Proverbs 10:23b (MSG)

I have never been what you might call an avid student but I admire those who are. I truly admire those whose are. Don’t get me wrong—I do not balk at opportunities to learn and better myself intellectually—it is just that I do not find it to be my highest or utmost priority either. I do not “relish” it as perhaps I should. One of the most telling aspects of our Lord is that even though He was the co-creator of the universe, He did not consider that as the means to skip the “intellectual” disciple of a human being. “Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.” – Luke 2:52 (NLT) The Apostle Paul was a Pharisee. A sect of the Hebrews whose intent was a strict study and adherence to the Torah, or “The Law.” One did not simply “choose” to be a Pharisee—it took years of devoted and dedicated study—often monitored by a proctor to ensure they were guided in the right direction. Paul dedicated himself to this end and was considered by those in his sect to become one of the future leaders. It was that strict adherence and dedicated knowledge that became the catalyst for his persecution of these radical followers of Jesus—those who in his opinion were perverting the Law he believed so strongly in. But all that changed the day he “saw the Light” both figuratively and literally. When confronted and transformed by Jesus, Paul had a new direction and purpose in life. But was all that knowledge a strength or a hindrance? Was it a useful tool for the promotion of the Kingdom or more of a distraction to His new call to preach the Gospel? My take is this—Jesus knew what He was doing when he got a hold of this Pharisee by the name of Saul. His dedication to learning would not end simply because he was no longer a Pharisee—it was just the opposite. He realized he had some more learning to do. According to Church historians and backed by various Scripture passages in the book of Acts—there was approximately a 14-year period from the time of Paul’s conversion to when he went on his first missionary journey. So what did he do during that time? It is widely believed he studied. He spent time with some of the Disciples but mostly he would find himself learning from the Law—studying particularly Isaiah and the many messianic messages and passages in the prophets. It would be these books and passages that would be the power behind his argument that Christ was indeed the Messiah, the One and only Son of God.
We may not need the same amount of proof that Paul sought. It could be that our belief in Christ is strong enough to withstand any argument that those opposed to Him attempt to make—but are we doing something to increase and enhance our knowledge? Are we relying on a “just enough” idea to sustain us—or could there be more that would not just increase our intellectual knowledge but also deepen our faith and love in the One who gives us more than we could ever hope or imagine? Do not settle for “some” when there is more available. Do not give in to the notion that we have just a limited capacity for wisdom, especially when we do not. Give the Holy Spirit the opportunity to widen your knowledge and increase “His” Wisdom. Both you and others will benefit from it and that is why it is freely given to all!
Pastor J. T. Carnell