FAITH TESTED

 FAITH TESTED

John [ESV] 21:15-19 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” 

  You or I are not likely to face a martyr’s test of faith. But if you’re at times like Peter and me you are tested by the truth that the John 1:1 Word speaks; our Lord’s words disagreeable according to our desires.

  Peter’s prime example being his chicken episode. (Mt.16:21-23; 26:30-35; Jn.18:10-11)

  One of mine being again this year, today, preparing the necessary files for the CPA and the resultant checks written. (Mt.22:21; Mk.12:17; Lk.20:25)

  Other than to honestly pay taxes, what is it that you prefer the Word would not say?

  Faith is not superbly evidenced by our delightfully agreeing with Jesus. The higher testing is laying self on the altar when we don’t want to.

EBB4