Passing The Test
I have spent a great portion of my life as either a student or a teacher. As a student, I had to learn the disciplines of note taking, personal study of the material given and analytic questioning. Just attending class was not enough to pass the course. I had to understand the content of what was taught to be able to pass the test. Only in passing the test can one complete the course. Tests are essential for learning. Their objective is to reveal how much has been really learned. Only after one understands the material taught can there be application.
As a pastor for over 40 years, I have taught consistently the Word of God, but unlike a school setting, I have not given tests at the end of each sermon. I have hoped that there would be immediate receptivity and life application, but most cannot tell me what I preached the day after. This is a little disconcerting, and at times I have questioned myself if it is really worth all the effort, but then the Word of God is different than science, math or history. It is life and eternal. It is the Holy Spirit that takes the Word of God that has been preached and not only applies it in each believer’s life, but tests them with it.
We may learn about faith and trusting God in every situation, but it isn’t until we are going through a difficult situation that we discover the faith we have. Peter’s faith was tested when he got out of the boat to walk to Jesus on the water. At first his faith seemed to be strong, but then he got his eyes off the Lord and he began to sink. Jesus said to him: “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Mat. 14.31) Peter got a low score on his exam that day. Other followers of Jesus received very high scores, as did the Canaanite woman to whom Jesus said: “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done unto you as you desire.” (Mat. 15.28) Being tested is beneficial. It is a reality check that helps us steer clear of deception and pride.
Jairus was a man of influence and authority. He was a ruler in the synagogue and was quite knowledgeable of the Bible. In the book of Mark, (5.21-42), recounts the test he had to go through. The first question on the exam was about peer pressure. The masses loved Jesus, but the religious leaders were generally opposed to Him. Jairus’ daughter was dying and Jesus represented his only hope. He went against the opinions of his colleagues and went to Jesus for help. The next question on the exam had to do with humility. As a synagogue leader, he was older than Jesus, yet, when he came to Jesus, he prostrated himself before Him. He recognized his weakness and need of help. Then there was the question of persistence. The Scriptures say that Jairus “implored him earnestly” (v.22) The next part of the exam was the hardest. This was the question that had to do with patience. Along the way to Jairus’ house, Jesus was delayed by a woman who had suffered for 12 years with an issue of blood. This delay may have been only a few minutes, but when there is an emergency, it can seem like eternity. The test ended with the challenge of negative facts. News reached them that his daughter had died. He could have given up right then, but instead of listening to the messengers of doom, he listened to Jesus. Jesus said it would be alright; and so it was. His daughter was raised from the dead. Jairus passed the test.
In your life you will be tested. That is for sure. When you pass a test, then you can go on to the next step God has for you.
Scriptures to meditate on:
Mat. 14. 22-32; Mark 5.21-42; Luke 18.2-5; Ps. 26.2; 139.23