If you live in Marion County, you probably noticed the school buses about, indicating school is back in session. Monday, Caroline had school orientation to get her class schedule, find out where her classes will be, and iron out any problems. As we are waiting to make changes in her class schedule, I sat down to write this. The school cafeteria was filled with parents, teachers, and teenagers getting ready for the new year of learning.
Martin Luther advocated for educating everyone, including girls who generally were not taught to read or write at that time. Luther strongly believed all people should be able to read the Bible on their own so they could have direct access to God’s Word. Luther believed in the priesthood of all believers, believing God could reveal, inspire, and empower any and all believers. Education in Luther’s day, often meant great sacrifices. Today boys and girls in America are privileged to attend schools (Pre-K-12) free of charge. It is something many have come to take for granted. Yet, imagine not being able to read, write, or do basic math. Imagine not being able to get an education. Imagine having to rely on your pastor to interpret God’s Word for you because you were not able to read it on your own. This is why Scripture memorization and theology set to music (hymns) were so important back then. Today, most of us can look a verse or passage up and read Scripture whenever we want to.
Our schools today are not perfect and do need some changes, but they are open to everyone regardless of socioeconomics or gender, and they do teach our children the basics of reading, writing, and math. I am grateful to live in a time and place where education is available to everyone, so you and I can read and study God’s Word on our own, discovering God’s message of unconditional love and amazing grace! Read I John 2:1-17 and Matthew 4:4, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally!
Annie
Today’s readings: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%202:1-17
and
Joy Lutheran Church Ocala, Florida 