We Can't Pick and Choose

The following is reported to be a true story someone found regarding exams at Cambridge University. It seems that during an examination one day a bright young student popped up and asked the proctor to bring him Cakes and Ale. The following dialog ensued:

Proctor: I beg your pardon?

Student: Sir, I request that you bring me Cakes and Ale.

Proctor: Sorry, no.

Student: Sir, I really must insist. I request and require that you bring me Cakes and Ale.

At this point, the student produced a copy of the four-hundred-year old laws of Cambridge, written in Latin and still nominally in effect, and pointed to the section which read (roughly translated): "Gentlemen sitting examinations may request and require Cakes and Ale." Pepsi and hamburgers were judged the modern equivalent, and the student sat there, writing his examination and happily slurping away.

Three weeks later, the student was fined five pounds for not wearing a sword to the examination.

When we are study the law, we sometimes are careful to find those things which may benefit us, while trying to ignore the rest. It happens with the Bible all the time. Ever known anybody who only quoted the Bible when it was convenient for them ("Judge not that ye be not judged")? They want to get their "cakes and ale" but ignore the part about "wearing a sword"? God's Word isn't like a cafeteria. We don't get to go through and pick out which parts we want and which parts we don't like.

"For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, 'Do not commit adultery,' also said, 'Do not murder.' Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty." (James 2:10-12). Have a great day!

Prayer

Lord,

We live within such a comfort zone. We love to use Your Word to prove things we already believe, give us license to do what we like, and to point a finger at others. These things are easy to do. But Father, help us see that You apply all of Your Word to us, and all of it is life-giving, not just the parts that are easy to hear. Make us humble so that you can teach us even the things that are difficult to learn, so we will be better fit for your service. In the name of Christ, Amen

By Alan Boone, Used by Permission.