One Sunday, a late Saturday night snowstorm prevented anyone from making it to the church . . . except Preacher Tom and Brother Clem. Preacher Tom thought to himself, "Now I've got 'im." He let loose with everything he ever wanted Clem to hear. He preached up one side of Clem and down the other.
As they left the church that morning, Brother Clem shook Preacher Tom's hand and enthusiastically declared, "Well, you sure told 'em today, Preacher, if they just would have been here!" Must have been a Baptist church.
One of the most amazing aspects of the Last Supper Jesus shared with His disciples often goes unnoticed, or at least unmen
tioned.
Now as they were eating, He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me." And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, "Lord, is it I?" – Matthew 26:21-22
It is no surprise that a possible betrayal would break their hearts, but what is surprising is that each one recognized his own potential to be the betrayer. They did not ask, "who is it," or "is it this one or that one." They first asked, "IS IT I?" Each disciple displayed a heart open to self-examination. They realized that they were capable of being part of the problem and they were not quick to point out the faults and shortcomings of others.
Are we that transparent before God and before others? Are we willing to admit that maybe WE are part of the problem and not necessarily others? Do we have the spiritual fortitude to pray honestly the same prayer that David prayed:
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting. – Psalm 139:23-24
I am afraid we are too quick to point the finger at others and too slow to look inside our own hearts. I challenge you to be honest with yourself and with God and let Him inventory your
attitudes
actions
motives
aspirations.
Will you pray, "Lord, is it I?"
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