At the Beginning of a New School Year…

Isaiah 29:10-14

As we are at the beginning of a new school year, it is good to reflect on the work that awaits. As a starting point I refer to Isaiah 29:10-14, a worrisome chapter. The prophet foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and what do we read of the people? A spirit of deep sleep had taken hold of them; eyes were closed and ears plugged. It was actually one lump of misery. All the words that God’s faithful servants would speak rebounded. They were like a sealed book, hidden, unknown. The Book was given to those who could read and to those who could not read, but neither group could make anything of it. The writers of the marginal notes said, “The meaning of this 11th and the 12th verse is: that neither the learned nor the unlearned would understand the predictions or prophecies of God, published and preached by the prophets.” So, whether you are learned or unlearned, it does not matter. This is not encouraging for us as teachers. Does teaching make sense then? Why would we send our children to school?

The heart of the matter

Why did the Book, the Words remain sealed? The Lord was very clear about that. That was not God’s fault. The people drew near with their mouths and honored Him with their lips, but what about the heart? Here we come to the core of education and upbringing—our heart, the hearts of the children. The Lord complained, “They think they fear Me and serve Me, but it is only external; their fear toward Me is taught by the precept of men.” Your children will soon come to our school to learn something, to learn what is needed in society, to be resilient, and to function well in society. However, in the deepest sense, we see in this verse that learning must go even deeper— precepts of men, taught to students. We fall short if we, in respect to religion, only teach them the material. Upbringing and education is turning the matter inside out! I mean, from the heart our actions must show what intention we have, but how should that be done? Preaching all day long every day? That is not possible either, is it? We may not even do this.

Now look at verse 14: “I will.” Our faithful God Himself continues. Wisdom will perish. It does not come down to the understanding. The Lord used the words “marvellous” and “wonderful.” His name is Wonderful, The mighty God. In verse 18 we read the effect of God’s marvellous work. The deaf shall hear, and the blind shall see. That is what He Himself will take care of. These “people with disabilities” do nothing about that themselves. Again, in this Bible passage we touch the core of education because it is about reading, teaching precepts, wisdom, and understanding— all of which are educational facets. Is schoolwork, then, profoundly meaningless? It is only about what God does, is it not? No, we have to sow, do what we are called to do, but it is God who gives the increase.

Again, doctrine and lifestyle

In naming the school where I work, the board, in 1974, consciously wanted to connect with the ideas of the Reformation and the Nearer Reformation. Representatives of the latter movement advocated a meticulous walk of life as the fruit of an experiential, personal life of faith. With them, doctrine and lifestyle went together and proceeded from true faith. Our school (Van Lodenstein College) is named after Jodocus van Lodenstein who was a minister in Utrecht—a conscious choice of name, like other boards chose Prince Claus School, Kohnstamm School, or Terra College. How can we characterize that Nearer Reformation? They had an open eye for society, were involved in all areas of society, such as religion, science, economics, marriage, and family. The inner conviction of the necessity of regeneration was emphasized. He who is in Christ is a new creature. In this tradition we want to stand—not Sunday Christianity but also during the week and on the way to school.

Our principle comes out in the way we fill leisure time, the way we dress, both girls and boys. We talk about shared responsibility. As a school, we have our own responsibility: equipping and shaping children for society—a school in motion, yes—with desired innovation and educational development but, again, from unity in doctrine and lifestyle. We reject TV and open Internet use because of the devastating impact on our youth. We try to give authority a biblical foundation. We hope that parents will support us. In terms of authority, we must stand shoulder to shoulder. I could mention more such as going to the movie theater, MP3 use, and wearing necklaces with a cross. All these things are part of the identity. It is not a hobby to us but full conviction. We stand for a lifestyle that agrees with biblical principles.

Are you thinking, now that is too narrow-minded for me? I hope not. We have to be honest with each other. Children should not live in two different worlds: just keeping calm and adaptable at school and experiencing a completely different climate at home. If all is well, we have a common starting point, which is the Bible. Then together we seek the good for the child—the only Good! In the deepest sense as van Lodenstein said, “Everything I think and do is being heard in heaven.” Of this the angels sang, “Glory to God.” Only that principle of education can be called good.

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