Today’s devotion builds on the thoughts from Sunday’s Sermon – Week 7 of “Fan or Follower – Seek Truth” (LISTEN HERE).
Matthew 7:28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Truth does something.
It resonates.
It carries authority.
It impacts people.
It stands out.
It amazes people.
Why?
Because our soul yearns for truth. We tire of discerning what is true and what is not. We want someone or something that we can count on, believe in, depend on. We want someone’s word to stand. We want what someone says to come true. Even if truth is hard to hear, deep down we want to hear truth over deception.
In political foray of midterm elections, we want a candidate to tell the truth. We cringe with skepticism when candidates seem to simply speak empty platitudes absent of substance and truth.
In the doctor’s office, we want the truth. Am I well or not? When we know whether we are well or sick, we can move forward appropriately. Don’t tell me what you think I want to hear, tell me what I need to hear.
In Jesus’ Sermon the Mount, he didn’t take a poll of the people to determine what was important to them and then speak about it. He knew what the people needed to hear and told the truth about it. He didn’t make things up. He didn’t say what he thought people wanted to hear. He simply spoke truth into the lives of people…because he knew they needed it.
The teachers of the law weren’t always giving it to them.
The Pharisees had clouded it over with their extra teachings.
Jesus spoke with authority, because he was speaking the truth.
Deception comes with hesitation. Truth comes with conviction.
Our country has a truth problem. Truth is hard to come by. Yet, as was said, everyone yearns for it. God says, “I’m giving it to you. Here are my Words.”
John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
The news won’t always give you truth. Social media won’t always give you truth. Even churches won’t always give you truth. But God will always speak truth in his Word. You don’t have to discern where it is or what it is, because every word is truth.
So as Jesus encouraged, hear these words and put them into practice. Let God’s truth given on every page of the BIble settle your soul, guard your heart and guide your steps.
Apply: What might you change in your schedule to allow time for God’s Word of truth to speak daily into your heart and soul?
Prayer: Thank you Lord for caring enough to always speak the truth to us. It carries great authority and great comfort for my soul. AMEN.