Writing Your Own Test

Jesus answered them, Do you now believe? -- John 16:31

This is going to be short.  The Disciples were accustomed to the Lord speaking to them in parables and rather obliquely.  During this last Passover meal, with the Cross but hours away, Jesus began to speak more openly to them.  Suddenly it was as though a light were turned on:  His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech!  Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.”  (vv. 29-30)

There was just one problem.  These men whose hearts were flooded with light and understanding would, before they knew what was happening, see Jesus arrested.  The Disciples would be shocked and scattered in dismay and fear.  When, in Gethsemane, the Lord told them to watch and pray, it was less for Him than for them.

Every time the Lord takes us to another plateau in our understanding, He will allow us to be put under pressure about the very point upon which we have this new revelation.  This is what Psalm 105:18-19 describe as happening to Joseph:  His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron; until what he had said came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him.  Oh, I see what God is doing.   I understand now how this is supposed to work.  I’m going to proclaim God’s truth.   By all means, do so, because it is the truth.  Just understand that when you say it, you are going to be asked to live it out.  

To use an academic metaphor, we are, in effect, writing out the questions that are going to comprise the test of our faith.  God is not going to test us on those things which we have not yet grasped, and the test is not about making the grade.  It is another step from the grotesque, earth-bound thing that crawls to the glorious thing that laughs at the boundaries of time and space.