WHO'S YOUR RABBI?

I have often told others that I was blessed with two "rabbis" in my life (a rabbi is a 
"teacher," a "mentor," one who gives guidance to life).  One was a college professor who 
taught me the love of scripture.  The other was a graduate school professor who taught 
me how to read scripture.  I sat at the feet of these two men for hundreds of hours, 
soaking up every bit of wisdom and insight my feeble mind could hold.  I owe to them 
much of the credit for whatever good I have accomplished down through the years.

While I refer to these men as my "rabbis," I understand that, as a Christian, there is only 
one true "rabbi" and one real "teacher."  In Matthew 23:8-10, Jesus challenged his 
followers with these words, "But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one 
Master and you are all brothers.  And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you 
have one Father, and he is in heaven.  Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have 
one Teacher, the Christ."
  
Jesus continues to fill the role of rabbi and teacher in the lives of his followers.  I know 
that seems difficult, at best, since Jesus now sits at the right hand of God (Col. 3:1).  He 
continues, however, to guide his disciples and to mentor their lives through several 
important avenues:  (1) scripture, (2) older disciples, and (3) life's lessons.

As Jesus prepared to return to the Father in heaven, he instructed his apostles to carry out 
the Great Commission, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the 
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I 
have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" 
(Mt. 28:18-20).

Jesus' solemn promise is one of abiding presence if we will commit ourselves to 
everything he has taught us (read the Gospels).  He continues to work to transform us into 
his likeness to the glory of God and for the good of all mankind.  So as I began this 
article, let me ask once again, "Who's your rabbi?"