A World Of Competing "Truths"

"Today's Devotion" For June 13, 2005

Read: Matthew 28:11-15; I Corinthians 15:1-32

A WORLD OF COMPETING "TRUTHS"

"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." (I Cor.15:20)

Recently I read an article in an education magazine that derided the movement many school systems have been making toward allowing "intelligent design" to be taught in science classes. The author, speaking from her perception of "scientific truth," is convinced that any other perspective on the formation of the universe than that of evolution, is just plain "unscientific." She cited a number of prominent scientists in various fields who believe wholeheartedly in the "Theory" of Evolution. Not too long before I read her article, I also read an article by a well-known, well-respected, and Nobel Laureate Physicist who believes that the laws of nature and the universe are "too perfect" for them to be the result of "evolutionary chance." A further examination of the arguments on this issue also lead to another realization - in purely scientific terms, the term "theory," as used to describe evolution is a misnomer. A purely scientific understanding of what a "theory" is precludes using such a term for evolution, "intelligent design," or creation. Perhaps the most appropriate scientific term that can be used is "hypothesis."

The reality of this debate is that there are two competing "truths" that face us. Those on each side of the discourse are contending mightily for their position. Each believes their position on the issue is correct. Each cite "scientific" evidence, evidence from reason, and evidence of a "faith" nature (evolutionists would deny this) to support their positions. Interestingly enough, those involved in such discussions often cite the same "scientific" evidence in support of their conflicting positions. In this debate, God's children are well-served by the old, classical understanding of the theology - "Theology is the queen of the sciences" and the words of Johannes Kepler, a well-known German scientist of the 17th century, "Science is thinking the thoughts of God after Him."

Matthew tells us that Jesus' resurrection took on two "truths" among the people of His day. The chief priests and elders of the people believed that the "truth" of His resurrection was that His disciples stole His body. They were so adamant that Jesus was not the Son of God and the Messiah that had been promised, that nothing could convince them otherwise. For them, the harsh reality was that if they believed Jesus to be who He said He was, then they could no longer control the people, but would need to be their servants. This was a harsh reality they just couldn't face because they held the hearts, minds, and souls of the people in their power. In spite of the overwhelming evidence of Jesus' true identity, including the accounts of the guards at the tomb on Easter morning, the chief priests and elders continued to perpetuate the lies about Jesus in order to avoid the truth. In doing so, they perpetuated another "lie" in that the soldiers "fell asleep on duty," an offense punishable by death. They bribed the soldiers to their will and "fixed" it with Pilate. Sadly, that same avoidance of the truth of Jesus' resurrection and God's creating hand in the universe is still going on today.

We have reason to be joyful and thankful, even in the midst of the continuing "lies" concerning Jesus' saving activity on the Cross for all humanity. Ultimately, God's Word cannot be bound. His truth can't be hidden. In His own time, in His own way, according to His own purpose, God's truth will see the light of day, no matter who tries to squelch it. Jesus said, "If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (Jn. 8:31-32). God's power in His Creation is made plain as He suspended the laws of nature and raised Jesus from the dead. Our Lord Jesus Christ is, in truth, the "firstborn from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep" (I Cor. 15:20). While Jesus' resurrection isn't a "scientific fact" in the sense that there's no extant, empirical evidence that still exists to "prove" He rose from the grave, there is ample anecdotal evidence - eyewitness accounts - which would hold up in a court of law. Jesus really did rise from the dead. It's faith in that truth that separates God's redeemed children from those who would pretend to know Him and from those who refuse to believe. God's truth is that "Death has been swallowed up in victory" (I Cor. 15:54b) and we live in that truth confident that in we have eternal life with God. In a world of "competing truths" it's the one truth we can live with.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, no matter how many lies are told, the truth of Your resurrection can never long be denied. As I face the reality of death in my life because of my sins, lead me to hold fast to the truth that You have set me free from Sin's bondage by Your resurrection. Help me to live boldly in that truth and confidently share it with others so that they, too, can be set free and know Your love and forgiveness. Hear me, O Lord Christ. Amen.
******************************************************

--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.