Ultimate Truth part 4
I kind of like the Law of First Mention. You know, how in the Bible where the first time a word or concept is used, it sets the tone for how it will be used thereafter. So, with that in mind, the first time the King James Version of the Bible uses the word "truth" is Genesis 24:27, "And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren." And there's a lot here, but without going too far into it, this was when Abraham's servent went to find a bride for Abraham's son, Jacob. He found Rebekah, just like the Lord wanted him to. But here's what I want to talk about today: The Lord God has not left us destitute of his mercy and truth. If we have those two things, I think we'll be ok. Especially with the understanding that love is the truth. The ultimate truth of the universe--that God is love and He loves you. And here's the really cool part: What God has given us is what we can give each other. In fact, that's the New Commandment. Love one another as Jesus loves you. Receive and release the love of God. So if He won't leave us destitute of His mercy and truth... at the very least that means we ought to be merciful and truthful. Those are two things we can hang our hat on. Being honest, and being full of mercy. But let's look at what those words mean. "Mercy" is number 2617 in Strong's Hebrew Concordance and it means, "kindness." While "truth" is number 571 in Strong's Hebrew Concordance and it means, "stability; figuratively certainty, truth, trustworthiness." Let me say it another way, "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians 4:15). And that doesn't mean telling people what they want to hear. That doesn't help anybody. Especially when what they want to hear isn't the truth. And that doesn't mean slamming someone with "tough love." It means being kind, but standing firm. Not imposing your will or your beliefs on other people--letting people be who they are--but making sure to be who YOU are. Like, I don't drink... but I'm not going around telling people they shouldn't. I don't necessarily think anything good comes from it, but I don't think its my job to be a Spiritual Cop either. What you do is between you and the Lord. If the Holy Spirit can't convict you, what am I going to do. But at the same time, I'll be kind... but I'm not going to go out for a drink with you. I'll tell you the truth in love. "You do you, but its not for me." Mercy and truth. Kindness and honesty. And, yes, if you call me because you're drunk and don't want to drive, I probably will go pick you up. Because loving someone and agreeing with them doesn't always have to go hand in hand. You just have to find the balance between helping and enabling. But that's another Rant for another day. Today we're talking about mercy and truth. And about God filling us with HIS mercy and truth. And never letting us go empty. Filling us to overflowing with Himself. He IS mercy and truth. He IS love. And He lives in us!