Master Class
A Master Class is an online platform designed so anyone can learn almost anything from the best instructors the world has to offer. Composed of mini lectures and interactive workshops, Master Classes are taught by qualified professionals in various fields. The cost depends on the class you desire to take, the textbooks required and which instructor you choose. The classes are all the rage right now and participants claim they are life changing.
However, as a Christian, I am certain you will agree with me that we have access to a Master Class which makes all of the others pale by comparison in the life of Jesus Christ. For in him we have:
An incomparable hands-on Instructor, a flawless Example, a wonderful Counselor, and a supreme Educator Who knows the exact answer to every question, problem, and issue in the universe. Unrivaled in his discernment, our Teacher graciously supplies his students with a perfect Reference Book, and an ever-present Guide to whom we have complete access throughout every moment of our lives.
Infinite in his wisdom, he designs each class in such a way as to abundantly meet the needs of each individual student. (In actual fact, as one of His students, I can testify from personal experience that he exceeds abundantly in fulfilling my every need). We are no burden to him; for he is so patient and long-suffering that even the most seemingly hopeless of those enrolled will complete the course and receive a passing grade guaranteed.
As for the reviews from his students-no Master Class instructor even comes close to the praise! He plays no favorites but lovingly invests in each pupil. He never misses an opportunity to teach, and he is always exactly on time. We are inspired by his perfect example, heartened by his encouragement, and motivated to walk in his footsteps.
Of course, as is true of human nature, not every student is dedicated. Turns out some of his students are not genuinely interested in our Lord’s teachings, and have realized, after a few lessons, that what they thought they signed up for was completely different from what they had in mind and ultimately choose to relinquish their education. Nevertheless, the most unusual thing happens to the students that remain. Under the Lord’s tutelage the class-comprised of students from every background, every walk of life- becomes one big family, loving each other fervently, and promoting one another by not thinking of themselves individually more highly than they ought to think. Determined to become exemplary in their deportment, in the process they become selfless servants. They exhort one another, and so much the more as they see the day approaching. And of course, as is true in any classroom-there are those students who just shine. So full of love for the Lord, they immerse themselves in his teaching and will do anything for him. They endorse the reverent writer who said, “If Christ is not all to you, he is nothing to you.” Shining lights are they, the salt of the earth and model disciples.
A noteworthy fact in particular about those who enroll in this Master Class is that they are persistently recognized for their connection with their Teacher. People take knowledge that the Lord’s students have been with their Instructor, for our Lord would have us, by his incomparable grace and through his strength, to live as he lives. Thus, by obediently submitting ourselves to his will and always looking unto him, we are enabled to finish the course with joy, which brings great glory to our beloved Teacher, and impacts those around us for good.
So what are some of the courses available and what exactly should we aspire to learn from this Master of all teachers? Here is just a sampling:
1. The Master Class of forgiveness. Regrettably, most Christians do not receive high marks in this class and more than a few are required to repeat it. It is a difficult one largely because we do not follow our Teacher’s example of humility. (He would not expect us to pass this class, had he not left us an impeccable example in his own life while he walked this earth.) Our dear friend Spurgeon had it so right when, addressing the matter of offences he said, “If any man thinks ill of you, do not be angry with him. For you are far worse than he thinks you to be!” It is typical for students to “grow weary in well doing” in this class-even the Lord’s very own disciples, when taking this course cried out in Luke 17, “Lord, increase our faith”. (I found some excellent tips for success in this seminar in the Textbook- see references under: Ephesians 4, Luke 6, Mark 11, and most compelling-Luke 23:34- Christ’s final words on the cross.)
2. The Master Class of gratefulness- In this class we are taught in everything to give thanks, so, students learn to be observant and attentive-to be very much aware of all of God’s goodness to us. Essentially, we are taught to become “Blessing Inspectors.” We are instructed that we never have to look far to be aware of and thankful for everything we have been given beginning with so great salvation. Then onto innumerable blessings, including such kindnesses as, the good and loving people God has placed in our lives, those who love us and those we trust. Lying in bed at night and listening to the summer rain, deep conversations, children and grandchildren, each ordinary day, and ever- present mercies, even in the darkest of times.
3. The Master Class of humility- This course, based on the general consensus of our Lord’s students-is without a doubt, the toughest for one reason: nobody wants to be seen taking it! It is often awkward because it is typically taught in a public venue. While the other courses require us to act in a certain way or speak a certain way-this course is painful as it requires each and every student to die to self. The good news is, however, most students who are submissive enough to take it-rarely have to repeat it…well, at least not to the same extent as when they first enrolled!
4. The Master Class of Faithfulness- Trust me-you really want to master this course for one great reason-it will bring much deserved glory and honor to our wonderful Teacher, for faithfulness is a hallmark of every great Christian. Our Lord has taught us what unspeakable joy there is, for example, in being a devoted and dedicated servant to his Father. He has proven the temporal and eternal rewards of being a committed and outstanding member of his body, the church of the living God. The Textbook for this course is invaluable as faith in God and faithfulness to him comes from hearing his Word.
5. The Master Class of Patience- Interestingly enough, this class is known for daily tests of all types and varieties. But even more fascinating is that our great Master Teacher custom designs each test for every individual student. Some of the students taking this course have been known to become discontented, observing his or her tests are much longer and harder than some of the other students’. One student was heard to cry, “It just seems to me these tests will never end! I look around me and everyone else is done! They all go on living their lives- but here I am-still taking the test!” (Please understand-I mean no offense-but in my experience I have observed that these are the kinds of students who require this class the most!) Notwithstanding, there is hope-case in point: I read in the Textbook of the case of an upright man, who experienced an extraordinary season of painful, puzzling, and catastrophic tests-back to back-with barely any breathing room. Add to that his friends and family claimed he brought it all on himself, based on their presumption that he must have been a substandard student. Lamentably, he even presumed our beloved Teacher was against him! Then one day the gentle Teacher took him aside and had a real heart-to- heart talk with him. The result was the student immediately stopped his inaccurate and unjust whining and submitted himself wholeheartedly to the Teacher’s mastery. The last I heard of him-he passed the course with flying colors! Now, a word to the wise: just be prepared, for in this course you must expect some long, difficult tests, which can present challenging and unexpected material. There will be pop quizzes as well. But the great news is-every test is open Book! Yes, our loving Instructor even highly recommends his students use it!
The successful students in this class are known for three things:
1. They give full attention to the Teacher
2. Their thorough knowledge of the Book
3. Their endurance
My advice? Buckle down and let this subject have her perfect work.
A famous statesman was once asked to list the names of personalities he judged to be the most important people in history. When he handed over his list, the man who had made the request was aghast. “I don’t see the name of Jesus Christ on your list!” he observed.” Said the statesman, “He does not belong on any list of prominent historical figures, for let the entire world know, Jesus Christ is incomparable. He belongs in a class all by himself.”
In conclusion, let me encourage each one of us to strive for the “Master’s Degree”-which is the foremost distinction, “Summa Cum Laude”, the highest honor a student can receive-which the Master himself will present upon graduation. A simple, yet simply profound statement every devoted student hopes to hear-“Well done, thou good and faithful servant…”. All the best to you, my friends, as you strive for the highest honors.
Thank you so much for reading,
Liz
