Here is my charge to the RTS Washington class of 2016 on the occasion of its commencement May . It is adapted from the prayer in Psalm 19.
As you know we take the teaching of theology very seriously at Reformed Theological Seminary, and we understand that endeavor as having a particularly practical bent. You have hear theology defined as the teaching of Scripture applied to situations in the human life. From this perspective, theology is inherently practical, and so I take this charge from a prayer that is also very practical in scope. I take this charge from the prayer in Psalm 19, and I adapt it for this occasion. As is often the case, the psalmist uses the term “law” and its various synonyms here to speak of the whole of the Scriptures. He is speaking of the whole of God’s revelation about himself.
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is the servant of the Lord warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Who can discern your errors but the Lord? May he declare you innocent from hidden faults.
As servants of the Lord, may he draw you back from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over you! Then you shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart be acceptable in the sight of the LORD, who is your rock and your redeemer.
(~Psa 19:7-14 ESV)May all of your life be word-saturated. May your life be gospel-infused. So that everywhere, the person of Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior.
As you minister in your church, you work, your neighborhood, and your family, may they see Jesus.
Watch the charge here.
The commencement address by Rev. James Forsyth of McLean Presbyterian Church is excellent, and I highly recommend it. You can find it here.