I read Scripture because through the writings of the history of God working through many generations, I have a wealth of examples of God’s loving faithfulness and of peoples responses to Him that I can learn from – good and bad. I am learning that these written words are for my benefit which is why they were recorded. But I need help understanding.

Have you ever had a teacher that brought words in a book to life? I’ve been blessed to have had 2 such teachers. In 8th grade, a History teacher held us spellbound as she taught about the Revolutionary War. We were there through her enthusiasm for teaching. I could almost hear the muskets firing, feel the tension! In High School, an English teacher demonstrated creative writing not by writing points on the blackboard. After the bell had rung we were teacherless. Then the door burst open and in walked a woman smacking gum, slinging a purse, winking at us…we were mesmerized! Then she transformed back into our much-loved teacher and told us to write that! We did! We learned. We were excited to write!

Before Jesus, Rabbis would read from the words on the sacred scroll. Then Jesus quietly burst upon the everyday lives of those living then and showed us God’s love in person. For those alive then it was powerful and immediate; for us today we are reading words recorded for our benefit but He brings the words on a page to life when we ask for His help.

Today I read Joshua 16 and 17. Words on a page yet I learned of God’s care for women when the daughters of Zelophehad that we met before (Numbers 27:1-11), appealed to Joshua and received land. I read about the descendants of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, complaining about the land they received and the people with chariots they would need to drive out. Remember Caleb? He never doubted. He never complained.

So much we can learn by reading but in the hands of a good teacher who loves teaching and opening minds to understand, we grasp what is important we could not have seen without help.

In Matthew 5:17-48, Jesus says to the people listening raptly, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago…but I tell you…” and He took what was inspired writing and expanded it to show not the letter but the heart of God’s love. How could He not? He is God. God with us then and now. That’s why He could tell them and us with authority…but I tell you!

He taught with authority because He was God in person teaching with love and understanding. A great teacher who opened minds and hearts to grasp truths they could not see before. Can you imagine that impact?

Where does that leave us? Without Him – teacherless. In Acts 8:26-40 is the story of the Holy Spirit sending Philip, one of Jesus’s 12 disciples, to an Ethiopian eunuch who was reading Isaiah 53:7-8 about Jesus. Philip asked him if he understood what he was reading. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” He invited Philip to teach him.

The Holy Spirit teaches us. Jesus said He, the Holy Spirit, would teach them after Jesus left them to be with the Father (John 14:31). He didn’t leave them or us without a Helper.

I spent 2 decades reading Scripture on my own. God was patient and led me then. I was learning to trust Him. I trusted Him when He led me back to fellowship with others so my understanding could be expanded through the teaching of His word through His ministry. How can I understand, unless someone explains it to me? How can anyone? In fellowship with others our hearts and minds are opened and we learn with each other. An imperfect community to be sure but that’s okay. God is patient and His love guides us through His ministers and through each other as we share the wonderful truth of Gods love for us. What before was words on a page becomes exciting and personal leading us to greater fellowship with the Father, Son, Holy Spirit. I hope you find that. I hope you trust God to show you His great love for you and let His ministers, like Philip, lead you to better understanding. Great inspired teachers or teacherless? He’s here.