The Greatest Teacher

Psalm 119:33 (NASB)
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,
And I shall observe it to the end.

The most transformational, defining moments of my life have been when the LORD has reached down, enlightened and taught me.  All the great teachers I’ve been privileged to hear, and my best times of study and seeking don’t compare.  Those defining times with Him have always been the most memorable and they’ve moved me forward in His purposes in and around me.

The Psalmist most notably cries out for God’s personal, private instruction as the life changing impetus he needs to keep moving godward.

Psalm 119:17-18 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Gimel.
17
Deal bountifully with Your servant,
That I may live and keep Your word.
18
Open my eyes, that I may behold
Wonderful things from Your law.

Psalm 119:33-34 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
He.
33
Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,
And I shall observe it to the end.
34
Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law
And keep it with all my heart.

Psalm 119:65-68 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Teth.
65
You have dealt well with Your servant,
O Lord, according to Your word.
66
Teach me good discernment and knowledge,
For I believe in Your commandments.
67
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep Your word.
68
You are good and do good;
Teach me Your statutes.

Thomas a’ Kempis, in his noted work “The Imitation of Christ” writes: “Oh Lord, with the Prophet Samuel I humbly and earnestly beg, ‘Speak Lord, for your servant listens….’  I am your servant; grant me understanding that I may know your testimonies…Incline my heart to Your words.  Lord, who inspires and enlightens the Prophets, let not Moses or any of the Prophets speak to me but rather YOU speak.  YOU alone can instruct me without their aid, but without You, they can do nothing.

The Prophets can preach the word, but they cannot bestow the Spirit.  They speak most eloquently, but if You are silent, they cannot fire the heart.  They instruct in letter, but You open the understanding.  They set forth mysteries, but You reveal the meaning of all secrets.  They teach Your commandments, but You help us observe them.  They point the way, but You grant us strength to follow it.  Their action is external; You instruct and enlighten the heart.  They water… but You make fruitful.  They proclaim…but You impart understanding to the mind.

Therefore, let not Moses speak to me, (or any other) but You, oh Lord my God, the Everlasting Truth, lest I die and bear no fruit if I am warned in word, and not kindled in heart; lest it turn to my condemnation, if I hear Your word, but not obey it;  know it, but do not love it; believe it but do not keep it….  YOU have the words of eternal life.  Speak to me, comfort my soul: order my life to YOUR praise, glory and eternal honor.”

May HE indeed increasingly grant us all of His Spirit, Who has promised to personally “guide us into all Truth“…for His words are truth indeed.

Amazed,

Mitch