‘God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.’ Romans 1:20 NIV
The New Testament Greek word translated as ‘disciple’ means ‘learner’. By definition, a disciple is someone who never ceases to learn. He or she makes the most of the hundred billion brain cells God has loaned to them. They keep asking and seeking and knocking (see Matthew 7:7). Famous artist, Leonardo da Vinci, carried a notebook wherever he went. Some have estimated that he left fourteen thousand pages of notes to painter Francesco Melzi in his will. Almost seven thousand pages still exist. In 1994, Bill Gates bought eighteen pages for $30.8 million.
The scribbles of da Vinci varied from anatomy to botany to painting to philosophy. One thing that made him extraordinary is that he wrote many of them using a technique called mirror writing. He wrote in reverse so the words could be read solely when reflected in a mirror. In the final days before his death on 2 May 1519, Leonardo apologised to God and man ‘for leaving so much undone’. And he resolved to keep learning until the day he died. Even on his deathbed, Leonardo was observing and relating, in scientific detail, the nature and symptoms of his illness.
So, never stop learning, because it glorifies God when you do it for the right reasons. And the right reason is to know Him so that you can love Him even more. Live like you will die tomorrow—but keep learning like you will live forever. After all, as a redeemed child of God, you will.
SoulFood: Jer 25–27, Mt 25:14–23, Ps 31, Prov 8:34–36
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©