Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ, and children of God,

Oh, to be an adult and out of school and not worry about tests or exams, unless of course you return to school and must face being tested. How did you do on tests in school? Did you become anxious about the tests? Did you just wing it or study really hard for them? Did you pass most of them or fail them? What about the tests you encounter in life? How are you doing with those tests?

Just because we leave school behind does not mean we no longer receive tests daily. We are tested in many ways for many reasons. Do not feel like you are special in that regard, because many in the scriptures were tested. God tested individuals to reveal their faith and obedience. 

One of the most common tests many can recall was the one given to Abraham in Genesis 22. God told him to take his only son, by Sara, and sacrifice him. Without question, Abraham took his son up the mountain, and his son carried the wood on which he was to be sacrificed (Gen 22:6). Do you know of another time an only child was to be sacrificed on the same wood he was carrying? As we know from the scripture, Isaac was spared.

This should not be a surprise to us, for it was written that Abraham was found to be righteous in the eyes of the Lord (Gen 15:6). It was his faith in the Lord that spared Isaac, for he believed God would not take away his only son of Sara, which would have broken the covenant God made, that he would be the father of many nations (Gen 17:4-6). This was a test of Abraham’s faith in the Lord, and was done so that we would all see his faith. It wasn’t so God could verify his faith, but so everyone who read the scriptures would see the faith of Abraham.

God also tested the Israelites in the wilderness to humble them and to see if they would keep His commands (Deut 8:2). This was a test of their character and faith. We also read that Jesus was also tested in the wilderness (Matt 4:1-11). Jesus was the son of God and did not need to be tested by his Father, but it was the devil who believed he could break the second Adam, as he did with the first Adam, who was much weaker. This test was recorded so the world could see the true identity of Christ.

The tests that we face are much like the tests that Abraham, the Israelites, and yes, even Christ had to face. God tests our faith, but also tests our relationship with Him and our relationships with others. The tests build faith, character, and a spiritual body, which, all three combined, are our testament to the one true God and His love for us as we faithfully serve and trust Him in all things.

I leave you with this: when you are tested, do not become annoyed or anxious, but rejoice in the test for the testing of your faith produces perseverance (James 1:2-3), and although you may suffer for a little while in your test, know that the genuineness of your faith is worth more than gold (1 Peter 1:6-7). God will reward you for your faithfulness in trusting Him.

Last week, the little lambs learned about the money changers in the temple and how Jesus used righteous anger to cause chaos as he overturned the tables and drove the animals out of the temple square. This week, we will discuss Jesus’ journey to the cross and learn about the washing of the feet.

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, but for whatever reason, if I do not see you, may the Lord bless you with love, joy, peace, and may He comfort you, guide you, and heal you when you are in need.

New Day meets at 3455 Cliff Shadows Parkway downstairs. Children’s Sunday school is upstairs and you can drop them off at 9:45. Service is 10AM in the sanctuary.

God bless you,

Your brother in Christ,

Michael (aka Mr. Michael)