They were called, “Block Courses.” Apprentices were sent to Technical Schools for a few weeks a year and put through several Theoretical and Practical Classes associated with their trades. One of the courses involved soldering together the six sides of a small metal box. A high-pressure hose was then attached, and the instructor ceremoniously pumped each box full of water until it “exploded.” The pressure gauge was consulted, and the best soldering won. The instructor seemed to know which box was likely to take the greatest pressure before he began; knowing that the exploded pieces would lay forth the reason for its strength—worthy workmanship!
Satan characteristically tests the integrity of our spiritual superstructure. But praise God that he has limits. However, if we allow him to attach himself and apply too much pressure, we will come apart. In this case the exploded pieces will lay forth the reason for our weaknesses—unworthy workmanship.
In this age of “do not judge under any circumstances,” we are loathed to judge our own spiritual performance, let alone others. But the Pressure-test that Jesus applies is simple:
“For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20).
The religion of the “scribes and Pharisees” came apart when Jesus tested their integrity. They knew their Bibles but not the Jesus it spoke about. They prayed long prayers but only for the praise of others. And they went to church but hated the people. What they saw as spiritual workmanship, Jesus exposed as foolishness built upon the sand. When the pressure of the floods tested such work…? “Great was the fall thereof!”
John Staiger