The truth is out there! Even casual watchers of The X Files television series will remember that line. But the problem was, too many of the characters had their own ‘truth.’ The series’ success was probably due in part to how accurately that idea reflected our modern society. We have accepted so many versions of ‘truth’ that ours is a culture of relative truth: What’s true for you is OK if it works for you. But, here is my truth! Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
Truth: Generational Issue
Each generation believes what it encounters is new and different. In reality, each generation encounters the same things masquerading in different forms. Last week was Holy Week. And many of us paused to remember that The Lover of our souls was tried by unjust judges. These men convinced themselves of their own truth. But Luke 22:66-69, Jesus called them out:
When daylight came, the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the scribes, convened and brought Him before their Sanhedrin. They said, “If You are the Messiah, tell us.” But He said to them, “If I do tell you, you will not believe. And if I ask you, you will not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the Power of God.”
The choice was, and is, simple. Either Jesus is, or is not, the Son of God. If not, He is a liar. But if He is the Son of God, then He is Lord. Liar or Lord? Those are the only choices. And every person in every generation must choose.
Those religious leaders are great examples of relative truth – just like many people today. And that’s the point. Dealing loosely with truth is not a new problem! As far as those religious leaders were concerned, God could not, and would not, come in this form and in this way. Everyone knew Jesus was the illegitimate son of a carpenter.
To their way of thinking, God had to perform His works according to their expectations; to their idea of the truth. And since Jesus did not act in accordance with their preconceived notions, He was dismissed and disdained as a liar. That’s what happens when fallen, sinful people set themselves up as ultimate arbiters of truth. There are none so blind as those who will not see. Those who will not see conclude Jesus is a liar.
Option Two: Lord
Enrollment is OPEN. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.
The other option is He is truthful and therefore, Lord! And that option requires faith in the Word of God. The writer of Hebrews said: Without faith it is impossible to please Him. We must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
If we believe He is Lord, then truth exists outside ourselves. Truth is objective rather than subjective. The truth of Jesus being on trial was foretold by Isaiah in the Old Testament:
By His stripes we are healed.
That Jesus could love us enough to die while simultaneously having the power to take up His life again and be resurrected only underscores the fact that He is Lord, not a liar. How? He foretold both events! (LINK: About EquipUs U)
His presence within the life of all who believe is testimony to His truthfulness. But everyone must answer the question posed at His trial:
Are You the Son of God?
Why ask the question here? There are many who haven’t been asked. How will they believe unless they hear? How will they hear unless they are told? How will they be told unless someone is sent? Let me add a question to Paul’s comments in Romans 10:14-15,
How will they be told if your mouth remains closed?
Feet, Hands and Truth
The truth is out there, outside ourselves, His name is Jesus, and He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life – John 14:6. I think that’s part of what motivated Paul’s exclamation in Romans 10:15, which parallels Isaiah 52:7 – How beautiful are the feet them that carry the Gospel of peace! We have tongues to tell, feet to go, and Helping Hands to minister with, and to, others. Those are just some of the proofs of our faith.
Soli Deo Gloria!
PS – 2 things: First, that EquipUs U link in the post, please check it out and enroll today. It’s easy and free! INFO HERE.
Second, the Helping Hands option, Text: Give2-EquipUs to 77948
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