It is reporting writing time and I have been reflecting on my students long and hard.
In my reports I have pointed out strengths and weaknesses, and I have suggested ways to move forward.
I don’t know how some will take my judgments, but I hope that they listen to my words and act. I judge my students because I care for them. I am not interested in making them happy, but I am interested in their success and maturity.
I get frustrated and sad when students choose not to listen or change. I wonder if God understands how I feel?
11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
12 For the word of God is alive and energetic. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
- Hebrew 4
God wants his people to work hard to enter the rest he offers (v.11). The rest he offers is eternal perfection where all frustration is absent. When God tells us to strive, he is not talking about earning our way to heaven, but rather striving against ourselves – we are so prone to doing things our way not His.
Having told his followers to strive, he reminds them that they are equipped to succeed (v.12). God gives His Word (the bible) and it is living, energetic, and sharp. The bible is like a sword (or scalpel) that cuts deep. If you like, God is a surgeon and his bible is the tool that He uses to cut out cancerous ideas and attitudes – the surgery is painful, but the results are spectacular.
Finally, God reminds us of who He is – He is the creator who sees all (v.13). Unlike teachers ( who only see with their eyes), God sees our motives. This can be both intimidating and assuring. God sees our evil, but he also sees our efforts, pain and confusion.
What do we do with all this? Be the student we want our children to be. Take God at his Word, own our mistakes, make changes knowing that the one who judges us does so for our benefit. We do this in the confidence that he loves us – he has given us his Son to pay for our mistakes and Spirit to give us life.
