Read Everything before taking the Test

When I was in high school, I had a teacher give us a test!  He handed out the papers to each student. On the very top of the page it said, “Read everything before starting the test”. Easy enough! So, I started taking the test. I read all the instructions for problem one, completed it, then problem two. After a few minutes I noticed a couple of people turning in their test. Confused about how they could be done already, and I was only on problem number two. So, I started reading each problem and to my surprise the last problem said put your name on the paper and turn it in. So, I did.  The point of the illustration was how we do not often follow instruction. This makes me think of God’s law and how we cannot follow all the laws. Jesus came to earth and fulfilled the law because He knew we never could.

Galatians 2:19 (EASY) ”But God’s Law showed me that I could never obey all its rules. So I became like a dead person, free from the authority of those rules. That means that I can now live to please God.“

This is good news! We can be saved by faith, not by keeping laws, not by all my works, but because of what Jesus did on the cross.

 I shared this story about the illustration the teacher used with my boys. One day my youngest son had a teacher do this same test for his class.  He turned in his paper before anyone else in the class. His teacher looked surprised. My son told him that his mom had this same test when she was in school. I had prepared him! So, I want to prepare you today! Enjoy your birthday! Go in God’s good grace.

Michelle R

  ’67 / ’84 Jacksonville FL