Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. (Psalm 26:1-3)
A few weeks ago, Jakob Jukovski came from Tel Aviv to preach here in Austin. He is originally from the former Soviet Union (either Russia or the Ukraine, I'm not sure) and moved to Israel a few years ago. Though he claimed his English wasn't that good, it was very good in my opinion. He also had insights into the Hebrew mind. He talked about how important genealogy, like the one in Matthew 1 is. Genealogy to the Jew is like having a passport or driver's license. It's ID. The scripture that he used that really struck me though is the one above from Psalm 26. What was David's relationship with God like that he asked to be tested? I can't remember ever asking God to test me. I've asked God to STOP testing me. But to say to God, "Father, I want to prove to you that I love you. Please, test me. I want to be sure, and want you to be sure, that my love for you is pure." Well, I've never prayed that prayer. I'm not sure I really want to. I'd like to be able to someday. But I feel like I've been tested for the past few years since I've moved to the Austin area. I feel like I'm done being tested. Surely, I need to be tested again, but I'd like a little break...please.
Jakob shared how this scripture moved him, and he prayed this prayer. Well, he got the test. His apartment in Tel Aviv burned down. They lost everything except their lives. But like God proves time and time again, He will work through tragedy. We just have to let Him. I just hope I can get to that mindset someday soon. Thanks Jakob, you're a true hero in the faith! And thanks be to God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ through whom all things are possible! Give me this kind of heart Father, and to You be the glory!
7 comments:
Nestor -
> ... I've asked God to STOP testing me. ...
You might almost get it. ;-)
The Jews were supposedly chosen to be *TESTED* by (supposed) God.
Stan,
It's not a supposed God. There is a LIVING God. He is real and He loves you, even though you deny him. It's unfortunate that there are so many Jews like you who don't believe in either Him or the Messiah, Jesus. But I think that may change Stan. Maybe you'll be like Paul and go from deny Jesus to being one of his greatest evangelists. God has a plan for you Stan.
Nestor whines -
> It's not a supposed God. There is a LIVING God. He is real ...
Prove the existence of your (supposed) God, my friend.
Stan wimpers-
>Prove the existence of your (supposed) God, my friend.
"The fool says in his heart, there is no God.."
Ps 14:1
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." (Romans 1:20)
Reck @ February 11, 2009 12:52 PM -
Straw man.
Nestor @ February 11, 2009 6:43 PM -
You're using circular argumentation. You use what you claim is the word of some supposed God as proof of that supposed God's existence. StanNote: I could've also used this response for Reck's lame response.
That Roosevelt quote a the day is brilliant.
Post a Comment