I Wish I Had Learned More

Several people have asked about my thoughts regarding Jerusalem, Israel and Palestine since my recent visit. I am always flattered when some of you actually believe I engage in logical, cognitive activity and am capable of communicating it to others. Perhaps the next few paragraphs will put to
rest that myth.

To properly explain my experience, I have to introduce one of my friends.

Edgar is a youth pastor from South Africa. We usually meet together about once a year. Edgar participates in the Global Youth Initiative meetings... the reason I was visiting Israel. Although Edgar and I do not get to see each other too often, we seem to have a great deal in common and to hit it off well. Personally, I think this should be a deep concern for Edgar.

Young men should choose their friends carefully.

As Edgar and I were leaving Jerusalem via the Lion's Gate, he asked me what my reaction had been to all that we had seen and experienced that day. As I am prone to do, I said the first thing that came to my mind. "Edgar, I wish that I had learned more." Edgar responded the same way he does to most of my statements. "Woody, say what?"

"Edgar, I was not the best student. Most of my grade school and high school education was defined by my father's visits with teachers who repeatedly told him I "was not living up to my potential." When I think of all the things we have seen here, I wonder why I didn't learn more earlier in life. I wonder how I preached some of the things that I have preached. I just wish that I had learned more when I was younger and still had half a brain."

Edgar thought a moment as we walked the reverse path on what most people identify as the Via Dolorosa. "Woody, if you could go back in time, what would you like to learn more of?"

"Edgar, in addition to classical guitar and wind surfing, I wish I knew more about the Scriptures. I have been studying them most of my life and I always seem to have to confront my own ignorance. How come I didn't know Herod's Temple was so big? When Jesus said that he would build up the
temple in three days, it must have sounded like the ramblings of a crazy man to the people who heard him. (Matthew 26:61) How come I didn't know that Jesus was probably down in a type of pit when he was interviewed by Caiaphas? (John 18:12-28) I am a preacher; I should have known things like that."

Give Edgar credit. He always tries to comfort me. "Woody, considering how much of your brain you wasted in the '60's, I think that you have done well."

"Edgar, that may be, but I wish that I had understood simple things like David leaving Jerusalem and Jesus entering the city... both by the same path, and both crying over it. More than that, I wish I had the same broken spirit causing me to cry over the lost."

"Ah, Woody, you did the best with what you had. God didn't expect more."

I doubt the truth of Edgar's comforting words. As I think about that conversation, I still wish that I knew more. Perhaps the biggest thing that I take away from the trip is that I want to spend more of the time I have remaining in the Scriptures.

I am reminded of something that William McDonald (the author of "The Believer's Bible Commentary") said to me while we washed dishes together after a supper in our home back in La Paz. "Woody, the only thing that we can take to heaven is what we learn of the Word of God."

I guess I just want to take more with me when my time comes.