One of the more perplexing traits of God is that he is not afraid to let us learn. I remember many times being frustrated as a young boy that I had to learn the so called “baby steps” before being able to master a topic. Driving was certainly something that I was frustrated with having to learn how to first control the vehicle before I could “put the pedal to the metal!”
I didn’t want to go slow! Why do I have to know how to parallel park?!! Or like Daniel in the classic movie “Karate Kid” when he wondered why he had to learn, “Wax on, wax off.”
Part of the reason for first learning the “baby steps” is because when we learn something fast we often forget what we learned. Or we don’t’ know how to apply it.
I can teach a confirmand how to memorize the catechism in short order. However, if that memorization is not built upon with understanding and reflection, the student will forget the basics of the faith. If the Word of God and the Catechism aren’t valued at home, the student will forget. If what we learn quickly is not the “baby steps” we also won’t know how to use what we memorized as a steppingstone to handle more challenging aspects of life. You remember your catechism memory, right? If not, go find a catechism and begin again “Danielson”!
God is one who is not afraid to take his time to teach us slowly. God is not afraid to take his time to teach us by his word or experience so that true wisdom will settle in. Whether or not we embrace his wisdom and grow in wisdom is up to us. Take for example on Easter Sunday when Jesus met his disciples on the road to Emmaus.
13That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:13-27
Jesus did not just come right out and tell his disciples it was him on that Easter afternoon. He patiently taught them. He hid himself so that he could teach them using his word because that’s how the Holy Spirit works, through hearing the word. So, Jesus beginning with the “baby steps” taught the disciples.
I know if I were Jesus I would’ve been tempted to just say, “It’s me boys!” But seeing is not believing, so Jesus taught them.
Jesus teaches us too. And unfortunately, patience is not something we are born with, it is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus teaches us by his word. This is why it is important to always be in Jesus’ word. He will reveal new things to you. You will see Him in more glorious ways. Don’t expect to know everything about the Bible after one Sunday School class. Don’t expect to know how to fight temptation and the devil because you went to church one time. Don’t expect to know how to face sadness or how to deal with terrible loss and tragedy if you aren’t in Jesus’ word with your fellow Christians. Don’t expect to be able to apply wisdom if all you do is listen to podcasts and live in an echo chamber of your head. Don’t expect to know how to answer some of our most pressing questions that destroy faith if you do not walk with Jesus and allow him to teach you.
We are all on the road to Emmaus. It is after Easter. Our hearts burn with questions and doubts and unknowns. Will you walk with Jesus and be taught? Or will you become impatient along the way? Will you continue in the Way? The way of learning? It is no coincidence that the disciples then saw Jesus all the more clearly when they gathered together for the sacrament, “When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.”
Walk with Jesus and you will see the Easter gift of The Lord’s Supper, The Sacrament of the Altar as the treasure it is. This is where if we have learned his word, if we have followed him along the way and embraced his teaching, we will see Jesus with us all the more.
Proverbs 25:2 “It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.” Jesus will sometimes allow you to wrestle with his word and life by hiding himself. It is a lifelong endeavor to search the glory of God. But be certain, that Jesus does say, “Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened.” “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Searching his word and being taught the “baby steps” will confirm and establish you in the one true faith.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Phil. 4:19-20.
Alleluia, Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
See you on Sunday on our Road to Emmaus. In Christ,
Pastor Ottmers