Dave won’t mind me telling you this, I’m sure. He goes to the dermatologist on a regular basis, every 3 months, to be examined. During his younger years, he spent a lot of time in the desert sun without protection. He was a red-head, fair-skinned, freckled young man.
In the last thirty plus years he has had a number of skin cancers removed. Early this year, after a biopsy on two spots, he was given the diagnosis of melanoma. He was scheduled for surgery; they were removed, and we received a good report. They got it all.
However, those same spots had been seen a number of times without sparking any concern. This time was different. We are thankful for the discerning eye of the doctor during examination.
We should never be afraid of the Father’s examination. We should say like King David, “search me oh God and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me”.
Have you seen a jewelry appraiser look at a gold ring? It’s possible that they will scrape the metal and test it to know the purity. After all this is done, they look at any stones in the setting to determine their clarity and cut. Finally, they give you an appraisal based on their examination.
I think that’s what King David was talking about in this Psalm. He was a king who was familiar with fine items of gold and silver. His treasury was filled with the finest of the fine.
He knew the difference between trash and treasure. And he said this:
“Lord, you have tested me, so you know all about me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts from far away. 3 You know where I go and where I lie down. You know everything I do…God, examine me and know my mind. Test me and know all my worries. 24 Make sure that I am not going the wrong way. Lead me on the path that has always been right.” Psalm 139:1-3, 23-24ERV
This is the same man who wrote the Lord is his shepherd and that the Shepherd knew how to lead him down the right path, take him to green pastures and cool waters. He knew that the Lord would protect him from misstep and bring him back when he wandered off.
What a comfort to know that our God, our Father, examines us to see that we are free from cancerous or destructive ways.
King David welcomed the Lord’s examination. When the Lord reveals an impurity in our character we should do what Dave did – have it removed immediately.
The doctor and the jeweler both examine for impurities.
“Your faith will be like gold that has been tested in a fire. And these trials will prove that your faith is worth much more than gold that can be destroyed. They will show that you will be given praise and honor and glory when Jesus Christ returns.” I Peter 1:7 CEV
We are on our way to becoming 24kt Christians. Now, that’s exciting!