Rod Farraway, Chaplain

Our school hymn, “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”, reflects on the journey of the Hebrew people from Egypt to the Promised Land and uses that Exodus experience to explain our own walk through life.

One aspect of the Hebrew Exodus was the amazing privilege of the God of the universe accompanying them for the journey. This was articulated through the Tabernacle, the large tent-like structure that was to be built by the priests in the middle of their campsite, wherever they stayed, and over which hovered the “fiery cloudy pillar” of God’s presence.

Imagine having God’s company for your journey through life. I expect for most of us that is at least a partly disconcerting thought. But at times would be incredibly comforting.

God, tabernacling or pitching his tent amongst his people, was a powerful demonstration of his personal connection to them and their responsibility to live accordingly.

It was an act of great humility on God’s part, to live in the midst of his people; to put His people’s needs first.

All of you have been the recipients of the same sort of humility, from your teachers!

Every time a teacher chooses to go on CITF and literally pitch their tent in your midst, they have made a choice to humble themselves for your benefit. When a teacher chooses to go on a tour with you, often during their own holidays and without their own family, they have made a choice to humble themselves for your benefit.

Just being a teacher itself, is a choice to spend time with people not of your own generation to invest in their future.

It is natural to think of a school as a community of students, but it is also accurate to think of a school as a community of adults (many of whom will be there for more years than any student) who are committed to preparing the next generation. Students join this community of their elders for a few years, to get ready for life ahead.

Imagine a school without adults, and I think you will have a better idea of the value of your teachers.

Have you expressed your appreciation for what they have done for you this year? I was fortunate to receive an appreciative note on World Teacher’s Day. I can assure you it makes a difference to know that you are appreciated for the choice you have made to invest in others. You might like to take the time before the end of the year to express your own appreciation for those who have worked with and for you this year.

Tabernacling, or dwelling amongst us, was also mentioned in our Bible reading from John 1, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” God again chose to dwell with his people, but this time not in a tent, but by becoming one of us; “just a slob like one of us, just a stranger on a bus, trying to make his way home?” (to quote Joan Osborne’s 1995 song lyric).

But why do this? Out of love. To make himself known so that we might believe and have eternal life. So that we too might reach our Promised Land, living with God and his people. In the lead up to his death, resurrection and ascension Jesus taught his disciples, “…I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:3)

And so we sing… 

“When I tread the verge of Jordan

Bid my anxious fears subside;

Death of death, and hell’s destruction,

Land me safe on Canaan’s side:”

Our response to this comforting news? Gratitude:

“Songs and praises, songs and praises

I will ever give to thee

I will ever give to thee.”

We are all the objects of “grace upon grace” (John 1:16) and so ought to be grateful and gracious to others. The exchange of gifts at Christmas time reflects this, while we remember the One whose gift was to make His dwelling among us (1 John 1:14) even though heaven was His home.

Be gracious. Be grateful. Be great!

Rod Farraway
Chaplain