A Desired Examination

SCRIPTURE
Psalms 11:4-5
4 The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD is on his heavenly throne.
He observes the sons of men;
his eyes examine them.

5 The LORD examines the righteous,
but the wicked and those who love violence
his soul hates.


OBSERVATION
Here it is clear that the examination of the Lord is a desirable thing...if one is righteous! On the other hand, it seems that the Lord does not spend too much time looking at the wicked.


APPLICATION
One's first reaction to the examination of the Lord has got to be a little bit of anxiety and concern! We are mortal and He is immortal, we are imperfect and He is perfect, we are full of sin and He is sinless. Any examination would seem to be a damning one for us.

And yet, the examination of the Lord is desirable! To have the Lord spend time on you and me is actually an endearing thing because it demonstrates His desire to spend time with us. Further, we need not fear His examination because when we are "in Christ." Christ has paid the price for our sine and our inadequacy. Now, the Lord's examination is a wonderful thing. He shines His light on us to expose that which is not yet given over to Him fully and we can thank Him.

As Jesus says in the book of John, those who are of the light, love the light!

PRAYER
Lord, shine your light on me and help me to receive it with joy rather then fear. Help me to respond to the warmth of your light by aggressively dealing with the things that are not of you that are in my life. Amen.