04/14/2020
Are we inclined to believe what men say the truth of God is, and find ourselves unable to fully accept the glory that is Christ, and those things which are spoken by God Himself? Do we lean upon the understanding of others while using the Word of God only where it is convenient for us to do so, and where it justifies what men say, and what they do; not placing God’s Word in its rightful place as the rule by which all men are judged? If this is true about us then we have established ourselves to be gods, and in our minds have subjugated the one true God... we have sinned.
“How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?”
John 5:44 ESV
What is man’s law? We like to think that as men we establish our laws based on truth, goodness, and infallible reason, yet if we look across the world then we see the same circumstances being judged differently from place to place, government to government, and religion to religion; which is truth, and whose reason is infallible? A man who steals in one place might be put to death, in another he might be thrown in prison, but in yet another he would have his hand cut off, or, perhaps it is simply “let the buyer beware”, and there is no punishment at all. What is the actual truth men subscribe to? Where is the absolute reason which governs man’s law? The Word of God as recorded in the Bible is absolute truth... Infallible.
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.”
Proverbs 30:5-6 ESV
As men and women of faith, this is our belief, our standard, and all of our reasoning should be based on it. If we can’t believe that God’s Word is truth, then how can we believe He is God? If we feel inclined to stand in judgement of His Word, as it is written in scripture, then we have supplanted Him as god. If we presume to judge Him we have doomed ourselves to our own wavering, and momentary interpretation of truth, reason, and the laws we define for ourselves. From the Old Testament to the New, the establishment of God’s Word as truth is made time and time again. It is a rhythm of life that is beaten out from the beginning of creation...
Old Testament:
“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.”
Psalm 19:7-9 ESV
New Testament:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.””
John 8:31-32 ESV
So which verses do we choose to follow? Which of God’s truths do we accept, and which do we ignore? Where do we draw the line In the sand of our faith, and say that our truth, and our law picks up here, and overrules God’s Word, and His truth? Where do we draw the line between our believing, and disbelief? Where do we become god, and begin worshipping our own understanding?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.”
Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV
If any of us has drawn a line in the sand of our faith, and set a boundary for our belief in God, then it is time we took our foot and rubbed it out... returning fully to the understanding that God’s Word is absolute truth, and the world is subject to it. Who have we established as the truth in our lives?
“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
John 17:16-17 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Holy Word that is truth, and your Son Jesus who is the fulfillment of that truth. Thank you Lord for giving us your Holy Spirit who teaches us to understand, and comforts us in your Eternal Word. Forgive us Father should we choose your scriptures as if they were ripe olives, and we select only those that look the tastiest for our consumption. Teach us Lord that once placed into the press the oil of all your olives becomes as one... your truth flowing forth as one pure oil, one perfect truth. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God of Truth who judges us. Wise are you, and infallible is your Word by which we come to know you, and are transformed. Praised be your name Holy Father because in you there is no variation, or shadow of turning. In you we find unwavering truth. Hear our prayers Lord, and teach us to know your will, and to discern it from our own understanding by your Word. Merciful are you our God, and we trust in your grace now and forevermore because you have told us of it, and in your Word we have placed our faith.
“Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.”
1 Corinthians 2:12-13 ESV
Rich Forbes