“Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” – John 21:25 (NIV)
In these few words, we uncover a profound truth about our Lord and Savior – a truth that calls us to pursue lifelong learning. There is always more to learn about Jesus!
The Gospel of John features many inspirational revelations about Jesus. However, the closing verse reminds us that the recorded accounts are only a glimpse into what Jesus did during his earthly life – not even considering the innumerable things that Jesus has done in heaven! This verse is an invitation to embark on a journey of discovery, to dive deeper into the mysteries of God, and to be inspired with wonder.
Why is this pursuit of lifelong learning and wonder so important? It’s because our faith is not stagnant; it’s a living, breathing relationship with a God whose depth surpasses our understanding. Every verse, every story, and every revelation is an opportunity to encounter profound truths about Jesus.
By actively engaging with the Bible, we open our hearts to the transformative power of God’s Word. Just as the disciples experienced Jesus in countless ways during their time with him, we too can encounter him in fresh ways through the pages of the Bible. There’s always something more to learn, a new facet of God’s character to uncover, and a deeper understanding of his will for our lives. As we read God's Word, let’s approach it with a sense of wonder and anticipation. May we be like children, eager to discover the hidden treasures within each passage, knowing that the more we seek, the more we will find. God promises us in Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” When we wholeheartedly seek God, we can always learn something wonderful about him.
In a world that often emphasizes instant gratification and quick fixes, the pursuit of lifelong learning and wonder seems like a countercultural virtue. It encourages us to approach our faith journey with a curiosity that spans a lifetime, acknowledging that we are always students in God's school. It’s an invitation to a transformative journey of the heart. The more we learn, and the more our discoveries inspire us with awe, the more we can fall in love with the God who loves us completely.
Pursuing learning and wonder every day God gives us to live is an important way to gain wisdom. But even more than that, it’s a soul-stirring adventure that draws us into God’s heart.
The acknowledgment in John 21:25 that the world could not contain the books if every deed of Jesus were recorded should humble us. It reminds us of the limitations of language and human expression when attempting to encapsulate God’s majesty. It calls us to approach Jesus with awe, recognizing that our finite minds can only grasp a fraction of his infinite glory as the Son of God.
By embracing the endless wonder of knowing Jesus, we position ourselves for spiritual growth. Lifelong learning becomes a rhythm of discipleship. The more we learn, the more we love. The more we love, the more we are transformed into his likeness and grow in holiness.
So, let’s take a sacred pilgrimage into God’s heart. Let’s look forward to what Jesus will teach us day by day, and allow those discoveries to spark wonder in our souls. The more we seek, the more we will find, and the more we find, the closer our relationships with our Savior can become.
Dear Jesus, thank you for your endless wonders and what they teach me. Please give me the grace to approach life with a childlike curiosity, eager to learn and grow in our understanding of you. Help me go on a journey of lifelong learning. May your Holy Spirit guide me, opening my eyes to the beauty of your truth and the depth of your love. Help me to see beyond the surface, to uncover the hidden gems that reveal more of your character and your will for my life. In moments of uncertainty, may your Word guide me, and in times of joy, may it be a source of gratitude. May the pursuit of learning and wonder draw me closer to you. Thank you for your great love. I love you. Amen.
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Whitney Hopler helps people discover God's wonder and experience awe. She is the author of several books, including the nonfiction books Wake Up to Wonder and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year, and the young adult novel Dream Factory. Whitney has served as an editor at leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She currently leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Connect with Whitney on her website at www.whitneyhopler.com, on Facebook, and on X/Twitter.
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