THE FIRST DAY OF THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

May I share with you a true story? It happened not that many years ago at the University of Southern California. One of the professors of philosophy there was a deeply committed atheist. His primary goal for one required class was to spend the entire semester attempting to prove that God could not exist. His students were always afraid to argue with him because of his impeccable logic.

For twenty years he had taught this class, and no one had ever had the courage to go against him. Yes, some in class had argued at times, but no one had ever really challenged him because of his reputation. On the last day of every semester he would goad his class of 300 students, “If there is anyone here who still believes in Jesus, stand up!”

“Anyone who believes in God is a fool. If God existed, He could stop this piece of chalk from hitting the ground and breaking. Such a simple task to prove that He is God, and yet He can’t do it.” And every year, he would drop the chalk onto the tile floor and it would shatter into many pieces.

Finally, the last day of this school year came. As always the professor pronounced his same challenge, “If there is anyone here who still believes in God, stand up!”

In the back of the classroom a lone student rose to his feet. 299 shocked students stared at him, and the professor shouted, “You fool! If God existed, He would keep this piece of chalk from breaking when it hits the floor!” And he proceeded to drop the chalk…but as he did, it slipped out of his fingers, off his shirt cuff, into the pleat of his pants, slid down his leg, and off his shoe. As it gently hit the floor it simply rolled away unbroken. The professor’s jaw dropped as he stared at the still intact piece of chalk. He then rapidly left the lecture hall.

The young man walked to the front of the room and for the next half-hour shared his faith with his classmates, all of whom stayed and listened.