Cross-Examination (Part Two)

CROSS-EXAMINATION (part two)

Last week we looked at our need to examine the cross and our decision to follow Jesus. We needed to start with examining what crucifixion was about so we could understand how degrading and torturous and gruesome it was. When we understand the level of what Jesus went through for our salvation we can gain an appreciation that will help us to realize that we don't have to be afraid of putting our lives in the hands of someone who loves us so much.

Then we saw that although salvation is a free gift, it comes with a cost-we're turning over the control of our lives to him. That means we do his will over ours; we put him first. It's important that we examine things from a Christian perspective. We hold our lives up to the cross and determine how well we're living the crucified life now that we're saved.

Although we may be apprehensive to take an investigative look at ourselves, we need to. Looking at things on a surface level won't give us all the information we need to make a valid assessment. We need to go deeper. We may find some things that don't look pretty but we need to be dealt with them if we're going to live the right way. It's time to do a cross-examination.

1) God examines us.

One thing that can help us is when we realize that God is examining us. That's a good thing, although we might not like it so much. It can seem overwhelming at times.

Job 7:17-19, “What is man that you make so much of him, that you give him so much attention, that you examine him every morning and test him every moment? Will you never look away from me, or let me alone even for an instant?"

Job was an upright man but here he's venting a little. Who wouldn't after what happened to him? But have you ever felt this way? Wishing that God would just look away sometimes or maybe take a break from you and focus on someone else?

We don't like the idea of being watched. 80's song by Rockwell, "I always feel like somebody's watching me; and I have no privacy."

The idea that Big Brother is tracking us is invasive. We don't like it when someone knows too much about us. We want to keep some things private. It's our human nature to be this way. And not that we should be an open book to anyone who wants to know but we need to realize that when it comes to being examined, even by God, there can be an uneasy feeling about it.

One reason is because we might be able to keep certain things from people, but we can't keep anything from God. Job 13:9, "Would it turn out well if he examined you? Could you deceive him as you might deceive men?" The answer to those two questions are 'no' and 'no'.

Knowing God is examining us can be scary; especially when we're not doing what we should be. There's nowhere to run; nowhere to hide. Heb. 4:13, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

God sees it all. "To whom we must give account". There's the scary part. Jesus covered my sins with his blood but that doesn't mean I won't have to give an account for my actions. 2 Cor. 5:10 says we will stand before the judgment seat of Jesus regarding what we have done as a Christian.

Even though that reality can make us uncomfortable, it doesn't have to. If we have the right attitude toward it God's examination of us can be a blessing; not a curse. Sure, if we're doing wrong it's going to be an uncomfortable reality. But, if we have the desire to change our ways and do right, it is something that we would welcome. We will invite it, not try to avoid it or run away from it.

Psalm 26:2, "Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind." Is David serious? Why would he invite the Lord to test him and examine him?

We have an answer in David's similar statement in Psalm 139:23, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

David wants God to show him what's in his heart. He wants God to identify his anxiety. He wants God to reveal the offensive ways that are in his heart. He is willing to have God reveal and deal with these things because they hinder him from being led down the right path.