If Bathsheba’s son had Facebook and TikTok, he would probably ridicule our saying, “Happy New Year,” to friends and strangers. The patron saint of cynics might express negative opinions about “watching the ball drop” in New York City. The third king of Israel might opine: “Pointless! On January 1, you will undoubtedly still find laundry from last year waiting in the clothes hamper.” I concede his point – if looking from a flat-earth, closed system perspective.
I remember Chuck Swindoll once describing the 21st book of the Bible as “the uninspiring inspired writings” of an aging king. The cynical monarch declared: “… there is nothing new under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 1:9) For most of his book, Solomon espoused a naturalistic perspective about life. If we consistently focus our eyes on what we see under the sun, cynicism flourishes. Thirty minutes of “news” platforms will confirm proliferation of the atmospheric toxin called cynicism. However, we follow Jesus and refuse to take our cues from these “Solomon-like” pundits.
As 2025 opens, we have reason for optimism – especially toward our university, seminary and the Church. Whether we finished our degree program in Springfield, MO last century or last year, our alma mater remains a worthwhile investment of prayers and finances. During 2025, pray with me for: the (already) high-intensity presence of God to increase on campus; the student body to continue seeking the face of God with abandon; incoming students and upcoming graduates that will support the efforts and embody the vision of local, healthy, Spirit-filled churches.
The EU and AGTS students I encounter want to know and work with the LORD that intervenes powerfully for people stuck “under the sun.” This consolidated alma-mater of ours produces “future ready” leaders for the church, the marketplace, and the yet unreached world. We have no reason for cynicism in 2025.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 says: “He has planted eternity in the human heart.” Yes, “dirty dishes” from “last year” may greet us from the sink on New Years Day, but earthly realities will not set the tone for our praying, thinking, living and giving! The creator of eternity and giver of eternal life sets the tone for us!
Happy New Year!
Terry L. Yancey
EU Alumni Pastor & Ministry Training Advocate