Gideon had a habit of testing the Lord. When the angel of the Lord came to him, Gideon asked him to show a sign that it was the Lord who was speaking. The Lord instructed Gideon to tear down an altar of the Asherah and Ba’al and build an altar to Him. Gideon did this at night; because, he feared his family and the people of the town.
Gideon tested God again, asking the Lord to make a fleece wet with dew while all the ground was dry. This deed was to see if the Lord would save Israel through Gideon’s leadership. Then Gideon asked God to moisten the ground while allowing the fleece to remain dry. This also was done. In this text from Judges, there is no explicit criticism of Gideon for testing the Lord (Judges 6-8) Gideon tested the Lord. He was timid in carrying out his instructions; but, the Lord was faithful.
The Pharisees test Jesus by asking for a sign. Jesus responded that an evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign. Could the leaders of Israel not interpret the signs of the times? Jesus tells them that they would receive the sign of Jonah which is that as Jonah was three days inside the belly of the great fish so the Son of Man would be in the earth for three days (the resurrection). He goes on further to say that the people of Nineveh repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Here is something greater than Jonah, namely Jesus. But, the Pharisees and scribes do not repent.
The commandment is that one should not test the Lord God. The devil tests Jesus in the wilderness with three temptations–turn stones into bread, jump from the pinnacle of the Temple, and worship Satan. It is here that Jesus reminds the devil of the commandment of God and refuses to give into temptation.
According to the Book of James, the person who stands steadfast under trial will receive the crown of life. And, I Peter 4: 12 reads: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange is happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share in Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (I Peter 4:12ff ESV)
What we have learned thus far is that we are not to test God; but, we may be tested. Does this mean that God tempts us? James informs us that when we are tempted not to think that God is tempting us. We are tempted by our own desire.
So, what are we saying in the Lord’s Prayer. “Lead us not into temptation.” A newer translation clarifies this, : “Save us from the time of trial.” We are not tempted by God; but, we go through trials because we are disciples of Christ. Peter speaks much about the trials of discipleship.
The same Greek word is used for trial and temptation. God does not tempt us; the devil does. We go through trials and are also tempted by the devil. Disciples who witness to the Lord and defend the faith are susceptible to persecution. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account, ” Jesus says in the beatitudes. (Matthew 5: 11 ESV)
The devil tempts us into sin, not God. We are tempted by our own desires.
We go through times of trial as witnesses to Christ.
We are not to tempt our Lord by demanding signs. God will decide the right time to give a sign.
Michael G. Tavella
November 20, 2024
