As they said these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be to you.†But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
He said to them, “Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.†When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. Luke 24:36-40 (WEB)
Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:23-24 (WEB)
Jesus is real. From a child born in a manger to this moment, risen from the dead and fully God, Jesus is touchable and real. He wanted the disciples, the Twelve and others, to know that He had truly risen from the dead. And so He showed them the ugly wounds and they knew that He was the Jesus they had known for three years and yet, God.
As I read the gospels, I search for Jesus who is real in my life. Who has been tempted as I have been tempted. Who gets frustrated with people as I get frustrated with people. Who is tired and needs solitude as I need solitude. Jesus who needs to go off and have a heart-to-heart with His heavenly Father the way I do. It is all there. Every word. But there is something more. There is Jesus setting the example, showing me the way in all those situations, reacting in the way the Father wants me to react. It is all there. Every word. Each day as I study and spend time listening to my Teacher, Jesus, I learn something new.
And then God tests me. A test evaluates what I know. But it also evaluates what I don’t know. God tests me and finds the offensive way in me (sin — that’s what offends Him!) and then proceeds to go over again what I have not yet learned! That leads me on His path. The True Path.
In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered. He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit’s mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:26 – 28 (WEB)
So that Geometry test I always hated to take, because I knew it was such a S-T-R-E-T-C-H for me, is like the test I am currently going through because God has searched my heart and sees that ‘offensive’ spot and is working it to my good. I have been called for His purpose! I am sitting in my seat with my Bible open and my ears tuned in to the Teacher. I do not want to re-take the test! Like the best of teachers, Jesus will explain the lesson in many ways.
Give to me what you will, God.
How much you will, God.
When you will, God.
Send me wherever you will, God.
And deal with me in all things — as you will, God. Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471)
