This year marks my 6th year as an elementary school teacher. The opportunity to teach has been one of the most challenging, rewarding, and craziest experiences of my life. Throughout the past several months, education has undergone many changes with the rest of the world. Although these changes have often resulted in difficulty and tension, I have developed a fresh love for teaching and each person I have the privilege of spending every Monday through Friday with.
As a teacher, I love my students deeply and want what is best for them. I want them to feel safe and at peace in my classroom. I want them to learn and grow, but as I continue to develop as a teacher, I have come to realize that this often happens as a result of struggle. Although I desire for my kids to be successful, this often means placing challenges in front of them, removing my hands, and letting them rise to the occasion. I am always there beside them to guide and support, but they are the ones able to embrace and overcome the struggle. These are the times in which they come to the deepest understanding and the most growth.
In Scripture, the Lord is often called our teacher. Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus called Teacher or Rabbi throughout His ministry. In the way He lived and spoke, Jesus was an example, model, and teacher. However, I believe the teaching of the Lord goes all the way back to Genesis. In Genesis 22, we read the well-known account of Abraham being asked to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah. The name Moriah is often said to mean “the Lord is my teacher”, “the teaching place”, or “place of worship”. I think these meanings are so fitting and provide much insight into the events that take place on this plot of land. In Genesis 22, God calls Abraham to take his long awaited son to this specific location and give him as a sacrifice. I cannot imagine being Abraham at this moment. The emotions and questions running through him had to have a palpable tension, yet he obeyed without hesitation. Even as he arrived and began preparing Isaac for sacrifice, he held onto a peace and confidence that the Lord would provide. The faithful Lord did by revealing a ram to take Isaac’s place.
On Mount Moriah, the Lord not only provided a sacrifice but a challenge that increased Abraham’s faith. Abraham walked through the internal and external struggle of taking his son to be sacrificed, but he trusted in his Teacher and came to deeper intimacy with the Lord as a result.
There are many times that we face challenging circumstances and difficulties beyond belief. This year has been full of them for many of us. When this occurs, we often pray that our situations will be removed or changed, and sometimes that is the will of God. At other times, He keeps us in the struggle. It is in this place that we have an opportunity to learn something new about our Lord. Is it still hard? Yes, but God is present the entire time. He is there providing, looking out for us, and wanting the best for us. As we face challenges, the Lord will teach us how to overcome them and experience a peace and confidence that is only found in Him. In the end, we will be able to stand in the place of worship and declare the glory and power of our Teacher.