The Relieving Teacher

To all the relieving teachers out there, I take my hat off to you!

2 Chronicles 24:1-27

Reference: Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years of Jehoiada the priest. (2 Chronicles 24:2 NIV)

Explore: In Primary school I loved all my teachers, enjoyed going to school and was generally an excellent student. However, my behaviour was always tested when our permanent teacher was away and we had a relieving teacher.

Those poor adults who had to come into a random class, in any school that had called up, and take a class of unknown children. I remember one poor soul named Mr Smith.

He was an older gentleman who had begun teaching when there were harsher discipline consequences. Now all he could do was raise his voice – and in our classroom, he did that often.

Children who were often respectful and jovial in class suddenly became naughty and vindictive, just because our normal teacher was away. To all the relieving teachers out there, I take my hat off to you!

Application: It’s amazing to see how people act around a new person or in a different crowd. In the end, we are responsible for all our actions, no matter who is around at the time.

It goes to show how important it is to surround ourselves with positive people who help us make the right choices.

King Joash made great decisions when he had his wise mentor and prophet, Jehoiada. But as soon as Jehoiada died, he turned from God and latched on to mentors who led him astray.

God provided many opportunities for him to turn back around, however, he continued to make the wrong choice.

There is no doubt that we will make some wrong choices at some stage, but the more we surround ourselves with the right people, and continually connect to the God of second chances, we will be able to move forward in God’s power and strength.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for mentors, elders and faithful friends who have helped to keep us firmly connected to You. Praise You for being a gracious God who calls us to You, even when we make the wrong choices. Amen.

Who has been a positive mentor in your life?

2 Chronicles, actions, choices, grace, mentor, school, teachers