“We ought seriously to consider two things; the sin of our Nature, and the Nature of our sin.”
–Ralph Venning
Growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ is greatly advanced when we ask ourselves the toughest questions. Heart questions are the toughest questions. Here are a few examples: What does it reveal about me that I responded to that person in that manner? The presence of the Holy Spirit is known, in part, by His fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5)—which of these markers seem most foreign to my life? Why? Am I willing to allow other believers to question me regarding my Christian walk and state of my heart? Pastor William Bridge noted that the presence of grace means a willingness to be tested and tried: “True grace loves examination. It loves to examine, and to be examined; for it is sincere, and sincerity is much in examination…True grace is willing to learn of others…True grace is very sensible of its own weakness.” [William Bridge, A Lifting up for the Downcast, 100-101.]
The two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus had an incredible encounter with the risen Lord Jesus. He questioned them closely. He listened to them. He applied the Scripture to their circumstances. Then he continued to fellowship with them. After breaking bread with them, the narrative in Luke continues, “And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?’” (Luke 24:31-32) Their encounter with Jesus causes them to examine their hearts. Their affections were stirred and their despondency lifted because of the intervention of Jesus. How good is the Lord to establish a pattern for us? We are to seek to know Him through His Scriptures. May you be blessed this week as true grace reveals both your weakness and the Savior’s strength. See you on Sunday.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Dale