Job 36:22 “God is exalted in his power.  Who is a teacher like him?

Disciples are learners, so it’s a big deal that God is the ultimate Teacher. The Bible is filled with references to God teaching us, but the question is always whether we will learn. As a school teacher myself, I have had students who would absorb anything I gave them, and I have had students for whom it was like pouring water on a duck’s back. God gives us virtually unlimited opportunities to learn, about Him and about what is important in life, and how to be genuinely fulfilled and happy, and all of that, but sometimes we seem to sail right through them with our minds and hearts closed. It’s like students I’ve had who have accused me of putting stuff on the final exam that I didn’t each in class, and I could tell them the day I taught it. Likewise, I’ve had students who studied just for the sake of pass­ing the exam, and I’ve had students who studied so that they would be able to make use of the material in their careers. Regardless of test results, there’s no question who got the greater benefit from my classes. Some people think only of Judgment Day – the “final exam” – but a disciple will be seeking to apply everything God teaches them in their daily life, and will be blessed in consequence.

Coming from a family of teachers, as well as teaching in class settings even from my college days, this is a principle I understand well, but the question is how well I apply it in my own life. It has been said that those who can’t do, teach. I must seek first of all to be a good and faithful disciple myself, as I seek to make disciples of others as well. Everything I have experienced as a classroom teacher I have experienced intensified as a pastor/teacher. I am not to be discouraged, but remember both that God is the Teacher and that His Spirit works within us. As much as I present truth to people, I need to pray that they will be enabled to receive it. I need to seek to help them look for God’s lessons to recognize and appropriate them, just as I need to be doing myself. I must remember as I share truth that my understanding is incomplete, that I am a student teacher, and keep myself fully submitted to God, who is the ultimate Teacher.

Father, thank You for calling and gifting me as a teacher. The way is frustrating at times, but then it is for everyone in this sinful world. Help me keep learning from You so that I may pass it on to others as well as apply it myself. Like Paul, I pray that as I teach others I may not fall short myself. (1 Corinthians 9:27) Help me turn people’s eyes and hearts to You so that we may be Your disciples indeed, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!