Author:
Mrs. Robi Marshall
At
chapel on Friday,
seventh grade student leader, Ryan Lavey
reminded us, that all that is taught at Arma Dei Academy is based on the
principle that God is the creator of all that exists. Therefore all knowledge, all that we
learn, is interrelated and proceeds from Him.
Ryan
directed our attention to the church calendar, which provides much instruction. We are currently in the season of the 40
days before Easter; it is known as Lent.
The
word, Lent is derived from the Germanic root for long because it is observed in
spring when the days get longer. Lent prepares for the holiest time of the
Christian year; the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. It
is a season of reflection, repentance, waiting and remembering that God gave
his only son as a substitution for us.
Thus, it was significant
that our chapel service began with the fourth grade singing the very reflective
Dona Nobis Pachem; expressing “bring us or grant us peace”.
Pastor Joseph McCormick taught us on the
significance of Matthew 4:19-20; “And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I
will make you fishers of men. Immediately they left their nets and followed
Him.”
Galilean fisherman’s nets weighed between 50 and 200 pounds and were
often encircled with weights to propel the net downward when tossed into the
sea. While the nets insured the fisherman’s success and they also weighed them
down. As Jesus compels us to follow
him, let us learn from the disciples.
We are to leave our nets; those worries, sins, and distractions that
weigh us down and follow him. A
February hymn sung in chapel seems to sum up these thoughts beautifully. The author, Kathrina von Schlegel expresses,
“Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as
He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing
shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at
last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds
still know
His voice who
ruled them while He dwelt below.”
Thus, let us continue to prepare
our hearts as we sense Easter approaching; let us leave our nets and follow
him.
Please
join us Friday mornings for Arma Dei Academy chapel from 8:15-8:45.