In Hebrew, this word Rabbi means “My teacher,” not just ‘teacher’ but ‘My teacher’ … it’s personal. Jewish young men would follow a rabbi’s teachings to help them reach maturity and then on to mastery. Nicodemus, the elite Pharisee, the teacher of teachers, recognized that Jesus had ALL wisdom, power and authority to earn this title. “He (Nicodemus) came to Jesus at night and said, ‘Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with Him.’” (John 3:2)
Our culture doesn’t have built into our framework a “designated teacher” that we can call our own. If we’ve had a godly father and mother, we are blessed, but if we haven’t, this responsibility falls to pastors. But for many, who no longer go to church, the internet has become their teacher. All “so called” knowledge, in every category, is now in the palm of their hand. Satan promised Eve she could have “all knowledge” without dependence on God, if only she would eat of the fruit. And here we are… (Genesis 3:5)
Only a generation ago, the young people would love to delve into the wisdom of the grandparents, parents and pastors. The older godly men and women nurtured the younger in their faith and their lives. Seldom does this happen anymore. This great replacement has led to a whole generation that is investing hours of each day looking for truth where lies abound, and are “Always learning but never coming to a knowledge of the Truth…” an information overload that is void of value (2 Timothy 3:7). Oh, how we must return to our Great Teacher!
To the one that is daily kneeling at the foot of the Great Rabbi, they will find Truth and Life in abundance. Confusion will give way to Clarity, and hopelessness will find Promises to build their entire lives on. It doesn’t matter what our age is, we all need to recognize our need for our Rabbi. He stands ready, open arms with an open invitation to “Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me...” What a privilege!
(Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos)
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