Join us sundays at 8:00 & 10:30 AM

Monday, September 28, 2020 - Devotional from Pastor John

September 28, 2020 by Rev. John Hartman

“Burning Desire”

A few years ago there was a story in the news about a former California teacher, who had taught for 17 years, despite the fact that he was completely unable to read, write or spell. John Corcoran tells of being labeled “dumb” or “disruptive,” as a young child. Teachers figured he had emotional problems or psychological issues because he was always acting up and getting in trouble in class. But, it was his way of hiding the fact that he was illiterate. Yet, despite it all, they kept passing John Corcoran on to the next grade. Oh, it wasn’t completely the teacher’s fault. Corcoran says in the absence of being able to read or write he became a master at reading people and situations. That, and along with some skillful cheating, personal manipulation, and being good at sports, eventually got John Corcoran through high school and then through college.

In 1961 Corcoran graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education. A teaching shortage in El Paso, Texas led to his first job. And then, from there, he taught almost two decades in the Oceanside California School district, despite the fact that he couldn’t read or write!

He said, “…I created an oral and visual environment. There wasn’t a written word in there. I always had two or three teacher’s assistants in each class to do board work or read the bulletin.”

Well, finally, at the age of 48, he decided to stop the charade and signed up for literacy classes. Within a year he was reading at a sixth grade level. And now, some twenty years later, Corcoran is the published author of two books, and heads a foundation providing for literacy training in California and Colorado, and tutoring programs for over 600 students. He said, “I’m just an optimistic hopeful person that believes in the impossible and miracles.”

John Corcoran is certainly to be applauded for not giving up and for correcting the early deficiencies of his life. But, if there’s one thing his story proves as “the teacher who couldn’t read or write,” is that you can have all of the appearance and none of the reality. You can “look” the part. But, as you know, appearances can be deceiving.

Friends, Jesus wants something different for us! Jesus wants us to have all of the reality to match the appearance. Yes, he wants us to “look” the part of faithful and dedicated Christians, but he also wants us “burning” with a passionate intensity for God. The question today is, “How much do you want that?” Amidst all of the things swirling around us, let’s continue to have that “burning desire” at Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church to love and serve Jesus Christ.