Have you ever crammed for a “now or never” exam? Back in high school or back in college? It was like… “so much information” pack-jammed into your head… all these details and dates, formulas and names! The best you could do was really, really bank on good short-term memory, because there was no way you’d be able to recall any of that stuff the day after the big test, right?
Now suppose you had to cram for a test on the Bible, the kind of test that would nail just what kind of Christian you really are… for that matter, a test that would reveal even if you were a bona fide believer. Unless you’re a seminary student, you’ll never be faced with such a test, but suppose you were asked to remember (in a very short span of time, like in a single lecture) a whole lot of important – very important – things from God's Word upon which your life depended? You, friend, would probably panic.
That’s no doubt how the disciples felt the evening they enjoyed the Last Supper with Jesus. There they were in the Upper Room… the evening had been warm and personal—there was even that touching moment when Jesus washed their feet. But then the mood shifted. When Jesus spoke strange words to Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly,” then everything changed. Judas left and from that point on, the tone of the evening became urgent. The Lord had very pressing, very terribly important things to say and only a short time in which to say them.
He began to cram a lot of teaching and a lot of insight and instruction and warnings into the short hour or two. And He spoke as if eternity hinged on everything He said. Jesus taught about vines and branches, peace and prayer and persecution and the Father’s purpose for the world. So much packed into such a little bit of time! How would the disciples remember it all? Well, Jesus could read their minds; He knew their dismay, but the Lord also knew that everything would become clear -- all because He promised His followers the Holy Spirit. The disciples may have felt a little overwhelmed at so much input, but the Spirit would be their teacher and their guide… the Spirit would give them recall… He would make it plain.
Now here’s the best part – because you are not really all that different from the disciples. I realize sometimes you feel that God is pouring way too much million-gallon truths into your one-ounce brain, but friend, the Spirit will help you understand. He will be your teacher and guide; He will bring God's Word to your mind and memory, making all things clear. Today, please remember that in time God will make known to you everything you need to understand about His plan and purpose. And if you keep in tune with the Spirit, don’t worry about cramming ’cause you’ll pass every test with flying colors.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 93176
© Joni and Friends