Final Exams

Do you remember the last time you took a final exam? Perhaps you were in college, or maybe you haven’t taken a test since high school. Basically people respond to such tests in on of three ways.

[1] Some don’t make a big deal of it; they go on with life as normal and don’t worry about the test. Most individuals like this probably fail the test; they certainly don’t do as well as they could.

[2] Others know the test is coming but are busy doing other things. Then on the night before the test they ‘cram’ as much as they can into their heads to remember as much as they possibly can. This person doesn’t just want to pass the test, they want to do well, but their expectations aren’t high.

[3] Finally there are those who not only know the test is coming, but they work hard to prepare for the test. In class they will take notes and ask questions when they don’t understand; books are read and assignments are completed. Then prior to the test they review the material—some will even participate in study groups. Then the test is taken.

Ezra had committed himself to studying the Revelation of God, to living it, and to teaching Israel to live its truths and ways.
Ezra 7:10 (MsgB)

Ezra understood that it wasn’t good enough to just read God’s Word. God’s word required diligent study to understand its meaning and apply its truth to how you live your life from day to day. It isn’t enough to just know facts about the Bible. God wants us to obey His word; that’s the real test, not just to read it, but to do it.

Someone described the Bible like this:
Basic
Instructions
Before
Leaving
Earth.

We will all one day stand before the Lord to give an account for our lives. This will be the ultimate ‘final exam.’ When that time comes and your life on Earth is over will you be prepared?