April 11, 2022
“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us to then go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest . . .” Matthew 13:24b-30a
How can we prepare for the myriad of inevitable tests of our faith? The vast array of situations we see in the stories of the Bible are there to help us see possible tests with which we may come face-to-face. The very fact that God is allowing the wheat and the tares to grow together until the harvest suggests strongly that we will be faced with tests, as “wheat” and “tares” will inevitably have opposing views. In His divine patience, He allows each of us to realize that our discernment skills need sharpening. He allows us ample opportunity to align ourselves with His will. The wheat and tares often appear deceptively similar. But, beloved, the difference between them is the difference between life and death!
And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Luke 22:31-32
Peter was severely tested during the ordeal of Jesus on trial. He was told ahead of time by Jesus of the upcoming test. Nevertheless, he went on to deny Him three times.
And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So Peter went out and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:61-62)
Our dear brother Peter fully recognized his failure. His wholehearted repentance and humble return to the Lord demonstrated that he had forsaken his old ways for good. He likely remembered the words of the Savior to the woman caught in adultery: “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). Jesus fully restored Peter (John 21:15-17), enabling him to fulfill His command to "strengthen your brethren."
Brothers and sisters, in these last days of our fallen earth’s history, events are taking shape that will bring everyone to the same test. There will be powerful, influential voices on a worldwide scale telling everyone to make the wrong choice. They will steadily increase in volume in an effort to prevent God’s people from hearing His still, small voice. Will you deny Him? Or will you endeavor to steadfastly live by His Word and be an encouragement to those around you?
In Daniel 3, the big test for Daniel’s three friends was a direct affront to the second commandment: You shall not make for yourself a carved image (Exodus 20:4a). If you worship a “Jesus” who wavers and changes with the social trends, you are worshiping a carved image of Him. His Word and His Holy Spirit will guide you back to the real Jesus, if you are willing to obey as you learn. That is the supreme test.
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15
For this is love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and he went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17 KJV