"Ma'am, we would see Jesus."

“Now there were some Greeks among those who came up to worship at the Feast. 

They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. 

‘Sir,’ they said, ‘we would like to see Jesus.’” 

John 12:20-21

 

I think I’d like to go visit old churches in England and New England and stand behind the pulpits.  I just want to see if what I’ve heard is true.  I’ve heard that the verse above was often carved into the pulpit to remind the preacher that instead of him….the congregation wants to see Jesus. 

 The pulpit below was used by J. Vernon McGee, a preacher made famous by Thru the Bible Radio Network.  Look at how prominent that phrase was!

J. Vernon McGee - picture source

I think I need that phrase hidden behind the desk in my classroom.  I need to be reminded every day that my students are inaudibly saying, “Ma’am, we would see Jesus.”

My students don’t need me.  They need Jesus.

My fellow faculty members don’t need me.  They need Jesus.

I don’t need me.  I need Jesus, too!

 

This morning at church, Colossians 2 was read – and what struck me most was verse 17.

“These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”  Colossians 2:17

The Greek word we translate “reality” in the NIV version is actually “soma”, which means “a sound whole”.  In other versions (ESV, NASB, NKJV, KJV), the word “reality” is translated:  substance or body. 

Throughout the Bible, we are given pictures and demonstrations of God’s character and His love.  But we don’t see the whole until Jesus.  And wholeness is what the world cries out for.

Another school year is starting.  It’s hard to believe that summer has flown by so quickly!  Although a bit rainy, it’s been a wonderful summer – so much learning and good fellowship…and I know that there are more wonderful days ahead! 

As I start another year of teaching high school students, I have a few goals:

1.       To see Jesus.  When I see Jesus, then I can’t help but point others to see Him as well.  (“Sonburn” is not just a summer phenomenon J).

2.       To envision myself standing behind an English pulpit.  (explanation above J)

3.       To have only 2 days on my calendar, like Martin Luther:  “Today” and “That Day”.  May I live fully in this moment of “today”…while looking forward to the future of “that day” when I get to see my Jesus face-to-face. J

 

 

AND...may this be my prayer for the school year.  It’s a beautiful Puritan prayer from the Valley of Vision about starting a New Year.  I hope it encourages you like it did me! 

 

 “O LORD,

Length of days does not profit me except the days are passed

in thy presence, in thy service, to thy glory.

Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour,

that I may not be one moment apart from thee,

but may rely on thy Spirit

to supply every thought,

speak in every word,

direct every step,

prosper every work,

build up every mote of faith,

and give me a desire

to show forth thy praise,

testify thy love,

advance thy kingdom.

I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,

with thee, O Father, as my harbor,

thee, O Son, at my helm,

thee, O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.

Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,

my lamp burning,

my ear open to thy calls,

my heart full of love,

my soul free.

Give me thy grace to sanctify me,

thy comforts to cheer,

thy wisdom to teach,

thy right hand to guide,

thy counsel to instruct,

thy law to judge,

thy presence to stabilize.

My thy fear be my awe,

thy triumphs my joy.”

 

Amen.