Out of Egypt:

yesterday, i gave thanks for justification

Because, as Dr. Peter Leithart said once, justification means we don't have to fear the past. And, I would add, it also gives us hope for the future - knowing that we are already seated in the heavenly realms with Christ.

This has been the most difficult year of my life yet, in some ways. (Counting this year as having begun last May, when I graduated from college.) But I recognize that there is a special joy in being finally an adult, despite adulthood's challenges.

Sometimes lately my prayers feel like they've been hitting the ceiling, but today I've been encouraged by the knowledge that I am united to Christ - that my life is hidden with Christ, and that it is no longer I who live, but Christ in me. I need to remember that all the time; then perhaps my feeling of obligation toward God, as if He were a begrudging master, will turn into the delight of love.

We have more students - significantly more - and I struggle to find simple activities for them all to do that don't require much supervision or materials. I am continually thankful for people's prayers and sorry that I don't pray for others as frequently as I ought. I should say that my attitude toward my work (or service, as we are to call it) has changed greatly and I believed I have learned and grown a great deal during my time here. I don't feel upset anymore that I'm not doing what I thought I would be doing; I only wish I could do a better job at what I am called to be doing now.

That's why my greatest request is for more energy, more strength, more patience, and more grace (but especially more energy). Some people are energized by teaching, I think; I just feel drained. If I had known what I was getting myself into here, I never would have done it. Yet that's how the Lord's plan works - I don't think any of us would make the choices which we make did we know their immediate consequences. But to bring this post full circle, that's why we need to keep our faith in God's justification - the knowledge that He has already approved our works, as Ecclesiastes says - and so the "golden chain" will not be broken. He who has begun a good work will be faithful to complete it, and our labor is not vain in the Lord.

I was thinking about justification today, as well, but not in a theological sense. Or rather, I was thinking about justification in the epistemological sense and trying to relate it to the theological sense and reminded again of grace. But I don't feel like elaborating here because all I really wanted to say was that this latest entry breathes hope. And that hope blesses.

Posted by: funke at March 20, 2007 12:26 AM

Thanks. I do hope that I can be a blessing to others.

Posted by: Evan Donovan at March 20, 2007 9:20 AM

What are you doing?

(If you already answered this question on your blog, just post the date. I can look in the archives.)

Posted by: Jim at March 20, 2007 11:51 AM

Evan,
Your posting was a blessing to me, too. Your insight into your present occupation (as opposed to your "calling") shows wisdom beyond your years... thank you for the reminder to us older guys.
Alex (Sarah's father)
PS: What a great name for an encourager, Dr. Leithart! (assuming it is pronounced "light-heart")
PSS: To Jim (whoever you are): your posting on a pastor's salary is great. I'm going to bug our session to verify that we are displaying "double honor" to our pastor.

Posted by: Alex Funke at March 20, 2007 2:29 PM

By "what are you doing," I meant "who and hat are you teaching." The original question read a lot more curt than I intended.

Posted by: Jim at March 20, 2007 2:52 PM

Jim,

I'm teaching students in a newly-established (as of this past Novemember) after-school program in Dorchester, MA - 7 as of last week, but 12 as of today. Primarily, I'm helping them with homework, though I'm occasionally working on technology education, as well. Our students come in several waves, and are in several different age groups (from kindergarten to grade 6), which makes it more difficult for me. Especially since I've never taught before. But the first year is always the hardest.

And I didn't get any curtness out of your question. The Internet isn't a good medium for conveying tone in any case.

Mr. Funke,

I think it is pronounced "lightheart," but I don't really know - I've never heard it said. Thanks for the kind words about my post. I was just feeling reflective at the end of the day, and thought I should share.

Posted by: Evan Donovan at March 20, 2007 8:00 PM