The Easiest Test You'll Ever Take

Psalm 137:1-5  ¹By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. ²There on the poplars we hung our harps, ³for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” ⁴How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land? ⁵If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.

During high school years, I recall the teacher warning the class; “Don’t worry—if you follow directions, it will be the easiest test you’ll ever take.” The day of the test came; instructions were clear, “Remember—read everything first before you begin.”  After a few minutes, many students turned in their papers.  I struggled for a long time.  I discovered to my dismay the last question gave instructions to place your name on the paper and turn it in for an “A” – all other papers would be graded.  I did not pass the test because I did not follow directions.

Our initial response to today’s text may be dismay or sympathy for the musicians held in captivity longing for their beloved Zion.  I am not inclined to be so easy on them when simple obedience of a nation could have averted their plight.  While it is commendable for the musicians to resist polluting songs reserved for Zion on enemy ears, we must remember failure to be an obedient people led to the musicians’ predicament in the first place. Following the LORD’s directions and keeping his instructions could have saved years of captivity.

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Remind us that obedience to Your will is the easiest test we will ever take.  If we follow Your directions, we can endure uncertain times with inner peace as we await Your soon return.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotion The Easiest Test You’ll Ever Take was originally written for Tuesday, May 31, 2011; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us   As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.