Christian Education
Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Psalm 34:11
The old country schoolhouse often began its day with the ringing of a bell. It was an invitation to the children nearby that school was about to start. As our families consider educational choices for their children for the coming school year, the psalmist has a message of urgency in what is really the most important thing to learn in any school. The Psalmist starts by ringing the bell of invitation with the admonition, “Come!” This verse is found in the middle of Psalm 34, which is loaded both before and after with the good gospel promises of our gracious God.
Listening is an important part of education. Children have to be taught to listen early on, so that they don’t miss out on the lessons being taught. When it comes to our spiritual life, we know “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” (Rom 10:17) Faith listens to Jesus, hears His invitation, and grasps His promises. This is especially true when it comes to the lesson God wants to teach us has to do with the fear of the LORD. To fear the LORD means to give all glory to Him. Jesus wants to teach us and our children about His steadfast love and kindness, and that good news will, by faith, enable us to give all glory to Him.
In my affiliation, the Church of the Lutheran Confession, our Christian Schools teach Jesus Christ and Him crucified as the center of every subject. With Jesus as the Teacher, our children learn from Him and we all find rest for our souls. The bell is ringing, and our Savior’s invitation stands, promising the best education for us and for our children here in time, and hereafter in eternity.
How shall the young secure their hearts And guard their lives from sin?
Thy Word the choicest rules imparts To keep the conscience clean.
Thy Word is everlasting truth; How pure is every page!
That Holy Book shall guide our youth And well support our age. Amen.
The Lutheran Hymnal 286:1,5