"Reviewing"

 

“Reviewing”

 

When I was in high school I was required to take (and pass) exams prepared by the New York State Board of Regents on selected subjects in order to receive a Regents’ diploma. These state-wide end-of-course standardized tests began in 1866 and continue to the present day. To prepare for them many teachers had us purchase review books which summarized the courses and increased our chances of success when exam day arrived. It was a nerve-wracking experience because our graduating with our class depended on passing grades.

In 1958 Clifton Hillegass purchased rights from a Canadian book business to publish student study guides. From modest beginnings CliffsNotes grew to dozens of titles on many subjects. Over the years they’ve received mixed reviews from educators, some commending them as concise review aids but others maintaining they promote poor reading and study habits. They are still available as learning and reviewing tools for high schoolers and others.

When I reread a book, set of instructions and especially God’s Word I often learn something I didn’t see the last time around. (A while back a friend told our Bible Study group that something he saw in the passage we were discussing wasn’t there the previous time he read it!) God knew long ago that we needed repetition to get what He wants to tell us so He repeats admonitions like “Do not be afraid”. “Forgive” and “Love each other”. Deuteronomy is largely a review of Genesis-Numbers, summarized by Moses shortly before his death (it means “second law” in Greek). And our Lord’s friend and apostle said, “…I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them….” (2 Peter 1:12). His readers then and now needed (and still need) God’s truth to be reinforced in our minds.

A month or so ago I began rereading the articles I’ve been writing since 2014 for two reasons: to avoid being overly repetitive but primarily to remind myself to put into practice what I’ve put on paper and the internet. It’s a form of accountability I need. Part of the Holy Spirit’s ministry is, in the words of Jesus, to “…remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26). So let’s allow the Scriptures to be God’s Review Book for us and learn what we’ve missed or overlooked before.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan