This Weeks Biblical Lesson Theme: The Joy of Spiritual Ascent

“May you replace ease with effort, may you find joy in always scaling, new mountains, may you never rest from your pursuit of knowledge; may you desire to always be a little bit better than yesterday and a little bit less than tomorrow. That’s what will make you a whole human being and bring you true happiness.” – Rabbi Benjamin Blech

Rabbi Benjamin Blech’s blessing speaks to a life of effort, growth, and holy pursuit—echoing deeply biblical ideals. Scripture does not commend ease; rather, it honors perseverance, wisdom-seeking, and the ongoing transformation of the heart.

Key Scripture Passages:

Philippians 3:13–14

Proverbs 4:7

Romans 12:2

Colossians 3:23–24

Reflection:

Rabbi Blech’s blessing invites us to embrace life not as a plateau of comfort, but as a mountain always calling us higher. That resonates with Paul’s exhortation in Philippians: spiritual maturity is not about reaching perfection, but pressing onward—persisting in the climb toward God’s calling. The spiritual life is an ascent, not a rest stop.

In Proverbs, wisdom is described as worth every ounce of effort—never easily acquired, always worth pursuing. This aligns with Blech’s encouragement to “never rest from your pursuit of knowledge.” Faith is not static; it’s a journey filled with discovery, questions, revelation, and renewed vision.

Romans 12:2 and Colossians 3 remind us that transformation—becoming “a little bit better than yesterday”—comes through effort. Growth is powered by grace but fueled by our intention and discipline. The goal is not to be flawless, but faithful; not finished, but forming.

Application:

Pursue Growth Over Comfort: Choose spiritual exercises—prayer, study, service—that stretch your soul.

Celebrate Incremental Change: Progress isn’t measured in leaps, but in daily steps forward. Every little “better” matters.

Climb with Joy: See challenges not as burdens, but as invitations to deepen your connection to God.

Live in Sacred Curiosity: Be a lifelong learner of Scripture, creation, and character. Seek wisdom with wonder.

Prayer:

Dear Lord of the mountain and the valley, Teach me to delight in the climb. Replace my desire for ease with a passion for growth. Grant me wisdom, one day at a time, and joy in every step. Help me press forward, not in striving, but in surrender— trusting that each effort draws me closer to You. Make me whole, O God, in the pursuit of all that is true and lovely. In Jesus’ name, Amen