Blessed Contradictions

Have you ever stopped to consider the blessed contradictions of Scripture?

For instance, the Apostle Paul told the Corinthians: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it?" (1 Cor 10:13)

Now, if that's not a contradiction, then I don't know what is: "He'll make a way of escape...that ye may be able to bear it?" Why, everyone knows that if you escape something, you don't have to bear it anymore!

A convict, escaping from his cell, is free from the torments of his captors. A bird, released from its cage, is free from its captivity. But Paul tells the believers in Corinth that the Lord will provide a way of escape--so they can bear their temptations!

But while Christ said He would make a way of escape, He doesn't say we won't have trials.

Just as He did stand in the flames with the Three Hebrews, but did not keep them out of the fiery furnace, so Christ never promised to remove us from tribulation, but to preserve us through it.

I realize that my struggles and trials are petty and paltry compared to the saints of old. So many have willingly given their lives for the faith, yet I fret and complain about a few "difficulties." Nevertheless, His promise is true for even the least of His children; He will make a way of escape, but how?

"For consider him that endured

such contradiction of sinners against himself,

lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." (Heb 12:3)

It comes to me then, that the answer is in looking to Christ and considering the contradictions He bore. When we look at our present circumstances, we can only grow weary and faint. But when we see what Christ has borne on our behalf, we realize our way of escape is Christ. Feasting on Him and on His Word is our way of escape. And considering those contradictions reminded me of my favorite Christmas hymn:

Jesus, Wonderful Lord!

By: Paul White

Born among cattle, in poverty sore,

Living in meekness by Galilee's shore,

Dying in shame as those wicked ones swore;

Jesus, wonderful Lord!

Weary, yet He is the World's only rest;

Hungry & thirsty—with plenty has blest;

Tempted—He promises grace for each test;

Jesus‚ wonderful Lord!

Friend of the friendless—betrayed & denied,

Help of the weak—in Gethsemane cried;

Light of the World—in gross darkness He died;

Jesus, wonderful Lord!"

When we consider these blessed contradictions; when we "look unto Jesus" and contemplate how He, "for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross" then the statement becomes less of a riddle and an increasingly wonderful promise, He will "with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

Have you ever experienced this way of escape? Has there ever been a time when a verse of Scripture, or a hymn, popped into your head at the right moment and gave you the grace to endure and defeat a particular temptation? Have you ever found strength for the day, just by considering what He has borne for you?

"Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself,

lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." (Heb 12:3)