History Isn’t Boring?

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.” ~ John 8:31 (NLT)

I didn’t particularly like history in grade school or high school. In fact, our history teacher in high school was also our shop teacher. He didn’t really like history either. So, in class each day, we’d take turns reading from history textbook out loud. That was his form of teaching us. In all honesty, I could have read the book on my own and picked up just as much information. Those classes were boring, boring, boring!

When I got to college, all students were required to take a semester of American history. I wasn’t looking forward to it. My brother, who was a senior at the same college, recommended that I take it from a certain professor, as he made things interesting. I was skeptical at first, but on the very first day of class, I got a little more excited. The professor held up the book and said that if we bought a copy, we could return it to the bookstore for a refund. If we just paid attention in class, and took good notes, we would be successful. He had been teaching the same class, after all, for over 30 years. As he began his instruction, he wove in interesting stories, and taught us history with passion, energy, and authority. As the semester went on, the topic came alive, and I grew not just to understand it, but to love it.

It’s amazing what a difference a good, passionate, knowledgeable teacher can make. It’s also the same when it comes to God. No, I’m not talking about preachers. I’m talking about the greatest Teacher of all time. Jesus.

While on this earth, Jesus taught humanity the most important lessons about God that can, or will, ever be taught. He shared that God wasn’t a fearmonger, full of anger, hatred, and murderous rage toward the human race. Instead, we learned that He is a God of love, mercy, peace, hope, forgiveness, and grace. Jesus didn’t just teach the facts about God, He taught them with a passion and authority – so much so that He laid down His life because He believed in the message so fully.

So, pay attention to His teachings. Take notes on what He has said. Memorize the promises He has given. Believe in all that He has proclaimed. Let His message come alive!