Good and Evil Tests

Some people test God because they sincerely want answers. But some people test God because they want to prove Him wrong. That was true throughout both the Old and New Testaments. When the Pharisees asked Jesus if they should pay taxes, Jesus understood they had an evil purpose. He said, Why do you test me. . . ? (Mk. 12, 15,17 NKJV) He knew they weren’t interested in the answer. They just wanted to trick Him.

Next, the Sadducees tested Jesus with evil in their hearts. (v. 18-27)

Then one of the scribes came. . . . (v. 28) And this man was different. Although he tested Jesus by asking a hard question, he did so with a pure motive. Jesus answered him, and the two had a discussion. Jesus recognized the scribe’s motives—and appreciated the scribe’s wise replies. Jesus said to the scribe, You are not far from the kingdom of God. (v. 34)

The scribe desired truth. Jesus’ response to him demonstrated His pleasure in a person who tests rightly—who asks questions because he seeks God.

Originally published May 5, 1989.

The Enemy Within

The Israelites struggled for 400 years after entering Canaan before they actually possessed the land God had promised. During many of those years, they endured hardship. At one time, the neighboring nation of Midian was so strong that the Israelites lived in mountain crevices and caves. Often, when they planted their crops, the Midianites or other nations would raid them and take their harvest.

But when the Israelites turned away from idols to their true God—when they cried out to the Lord for help (v. 6)—He answered their prayers.

One day the Angel of the Lord came to an inexperienced youth named Gideon, telling him he would lead the Israelites in battle against the Midianites. But the angel's first assignment was a special task. Before he could defeat an enemy from another nation, he must defeat the enemy within. God said, Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Then build a proper kind of altar to the Lord. . . . (v. 25,26 NIV)

This was no small test. Gideon knew people would react in anger and he was afraid for his life. He asked for signs to reassure him all would go well before he followed God’s instruction—and God, who knew his heart, honored his ultimate obedience.

All went well when he followed God's instructions. After that, with a unique and remarkable strategy he led the people and defeated the Midianites. Then he served as an Israelite judge (governmental leader) for 40 years.

Originally published October 5, 1984.
Picture: Como Park, St. Paul, MN, 2009. Photo by Solveig.