Lent Devotional 3

In yesterday’s devotion I shared about the Theology of Martin Luther class that was taught by Dr. Manfred Hoffman. There were 2 major requirements for the class. The first was a paper (yesterday) and the other was an Oral Exam.

I had never taken an Oral Exam in college. I had solved theorems on a blackboard with professor and class watching, but no Oral Exam. I studied like crazy for that exam. I memorized and rewrote my class notes, but it was clear to me that I was only “getting” a small part of what had been taught. Dr. Hoffman would have after class evening discussion groups at his house, but I never could attend because I was working. I knew I was in trouble, but what could I do. So I gave up a B-ball referee gig and kept on studying and hoped for a miracle.

When my appointed exam time arrived I entered his small crowded office and sat down in a chair opposite his desk. He was relaxed with his pipe in his mouth. I was prepared to join the 600 in a ride through the valley of death.

He asked a question and I regurgitated my memorized answer. He then re-asked the same question and instructed me to tell what it meant to me. I figured out the pattern and would tell him what I knew he had said and what I thought it meant. I never relaxed but the 30 minutes flew by. I probably had an audible gasp when he said “that’s all”.

Then there was the most surprising great moment of grace.

He asked, “What grade do you think you deserve?”

My honest reply was “a D or at best a C”.

He said, “No, a B and remember to not sell yourself short. It is not what you remember, but what you know.”

I earned … maybe just got… a B in the class. But I learned a lesson in the importance of speaking theology in a way that shows not just what has been memorized, but what one knows about God, others, and self.  Today I find that the B is inconsequential, but knowing God, others, and self from a Theological perspective is essential.

In tomorrow’s sermon we will explore The Heart of Christianity….. Faith”.  I hope you will spend some time today thinking about what you know about God, others, and yourself.

SHALOM,

Tom Mc