Testing

       Fifty2 Sunday's~Listening4God

         

        The sermon text was John 6:1-15, the well-known story of Jesus feeding the 5000 with five loaves of bread and two fish.  The minister made the point that this is the only miracle recorded in each of the four gospels.

        There are reasons to marvel at this story; the turning of the few food items into enough to feed 5000 and have some left over, the fact that Jesus did it simply by giving thanks knowing that God would multiply what was there, and the fact that everyone was satiated (John 6:11). 

        However before that, Jesus "tested Philip" by asking him 'where they would (be able to) buy bread' to feed the large number (verse 5).  Why did Philip need testing?  Had his mind or heart wandered?  Did he doubt Jesus?  I can think of a myriad of reasons that would potentially explain why Jesus tested him, but I am sure, all of them would be wrong.  Maybe Jesus was trying to help Philip apply heavenly rather than earthly solutions to the need at hand.

         The idea of testing for those of us raised in this culture, presents us with the familiar success versus failure paradigm, and many of us are uncomfortable with the possibility we might not make the grade.  Life seems to present plenty of 'tests' along with 'temptations' and both can challenge our commitment and resolve to remain true to God.  It is important to remember that God does not tempt us (James 1:13) and that his tests have a specific purpose.  Here are a few scriptures on the matter:

• Deuteronomy 8:2: "Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.

• I Thessalonians 2:4: "On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.  We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts."

• James 1:2&3: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

        

        May we as followers of Christ stand firm (I Corinthians 15:58) and 'finish the race' (Acts 20:24) in order that once we have passed all tests, look forward to when we will "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is (y)our reward in heaven” (Luke 6:23).

[All scriptures from the NIV.]