LUKE 22:32. “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
TESTING TIME. Three years of watching, listening, instructions without comparison – Satan’s subtlety: temptation in a weak spot – A desire for money – never satisfied – claiming the thoughts. Covetousness looking for more. Smiling faces – but not smiling eyes: a covenant – with men or the devil? A promise made in the darkness of a lost soul to lost souls. An opportunity for betrayal of the best for the worst – A fatal kiss in the darkness. JUDAS FAILED THE TEST!
A table cleared of remnants of the past – the Passover is done. A desire expressed for fellowship, before terrible suffering – Symbols of a Person: “My body – My blood.” Communal loaf and cup to express oneness in Christ - The taste of bread and wine still on surly lips – “who is greatest?” “Self” is not dead, even when the Highest is among them. I am better than you because of – whatever reason you choose. The darkness of “self” at the place of highest fellowship. THE DISCIPLES FAILED THE TEST!
A face to face conversation between Master and servant – The desire of Satan is to claim the man, and ruin him. The Master prays – simply, basically, for the key – faith not failing. The Master identifies Himself with His servants. Loud affirmations of fidelity sound out dramatically, “I am ready…” Cautions are given – no doubt received sulkily, “I am strong already.” The sound of sword pulled from the sheath, “I am ready to fight.” In the dark night by a fire. “I know Him not.” A rooster crows. PETER FAILED THE TEST!
I am here, now, in this place and time of testing for the sake of the Master. Questions come: “How do you know?” “What makes you think you’re right?” Challenges come: “We don’t do that here.” “No, not like that.” Opposition comes: “Take your Gospel to the heathen.” Am I here because the Master wants me here, or are my motives pure before Him? Am I trying to please people, or am I God’s true servant without partiality? Am I getting a “word from the Lord” or wanting the praise of men? I am here in the dark trying to evaluate myself and my work. CAN I PASS THE TEST?
“O my gracious Father: I hardly know the treachery of my own heart. I wonder if my attitude, my life-style, my commitment to Thee allows me even a chance of passing the test of fidelity and faithfulness. Are my ways and words appropriate to the needs we are facing in this place? Are the realities of the Gospel being presented in such a way as to give light in the darkness? O my God, please help this frail feeble mortal to, at least in some way, shine some light on the immortal souls around me, that they might live and see the Light of Thy truth and grace. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”