Perfect Truth

"Today's Devotion" For June 12, 2006

Read: Proverbs 30:5-9; II Timothy 3:14-4:5

PERFECT TRUTH

"Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him." (Proverbs 30:5)

"That's not what you said!"

"Yes it is!"

"No, I distinctly heard you tell me that...!"

"I did not! What I said was...!"

Ever had a conversation like the above? It happens at my house all the time. Usually I'm the one who doesn't remember what I said, according to my children (and sometimes my wife). My son and I just got into one of those "you said - I did not" debates yesterday. Who was right? Well, I still think I was, but he's convinced he is. What was resolved? Nothing. We ended up just letting it go - it kept the peace.

Our real life world is filled with such situations. On one hand a claim is made, a statement of fact offered, or an opinion is proffered. The speaker means to say one thing, but words it in such a way that a different message is conveyed, so the hearer hears something not necessarily intended by the speaker. In a sense the speaker has given a false statement, not necessarily by intent but definitely in fact. While the speaker has intended to speak the truth, in reality, how he or she stated that truth ended up conveying a falsehood. Often, no matter how hard we try, especially in very difficult situations in which we take great care in choosing our words, a false impression, a mixed message, or a half-truth can be conveyed. It's the nature of Sin in our lives that makes communication such a difficult thing.

Happily, God's Word isn't so open to being "iffy." When He says something He says what He means and He means what He says. He doesn't "beat around the bush," "hem and haw," or use the wrong words or phrases to convey His truth. When we don't understand what He's said or misapply or misunderstand His Word, it's not because He wasn't clear - it's because our hearts and minds are darkened by Sin and are focused on ourselves and our desires and thoughts, rather than on listening to Him.

Our Father in heaven understands this challenge we face. That's why He reminds us frequently in Scripture (as He does in our lessons for today), that His Word is truthful and sure. It clearly conveys His meaning and intent. We don't need to doubt it, nor do we need to dissect it to find any "hidden meanings." Instead, our Father in heaven assures us that His Word is perfect truth - it's never just an attempt at telling the truth. The gift of His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Who has redeemed us from the curse of Sin, the fear of Death, and the power of Satan, is proof positive of His love and His truth for all time.

God's assurance to us, which is ours by faith in Jesus Christ, is that His Word will uplift us, sustain us, and protect us from the evil that would drive us away from His love and forgiveness. His Word is "flawless" as Solomon writes, and He provides us a safe haven from the dangers posed to us by Sin and Satan. He always tells us the "perfect truth" that convicts us of our sins, leads us to repentance, brings His forgiveness to bear in our lives through faith in Jesus, and comforts us and encourages us with the hope and promise of eternity with Him in heaven. Isn't it really good to know that if we have any doubts about what God says, it's not Him, but us? To know this is to be able to focus on where the misunderstanding really lies - there's no debate.

Prayer: Father, thank You for clearly declaring Your Will and Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness to me and all the world. In order for me and all humanity to really get the message of Your anger toward Sin and Your desire to redeem all of creation from it's destructive influence and power, You took on human flesh in the person of Your Son, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Him, You confirmed the truth - the perfect truth - of Your Word and promises and clearly showed Your grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness for sinners. Having worked faith in my heart, gracious Father, I pray that You would help me to live in that faith each and every day as a faithful witness to Your truth and love to others, that through such witness others might come to the assurance of Your Word and promises and be saved. In Jesus' precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.