TODAY’S SCRIPTURE John 14:6
“Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?” Whether in a courtroom being cross- examined by Perry Mason or in a courtroom in your local community, these words have been repeated countless numbers of times. Before one can testify in a court of law in the United States, a vow of truthfulness must be made by the one testifying. Based upon that truthful testimony, hundreds of thousands of defendants have either been convicted or released. Truthful testimony is accepted as fact in a court of law.
Jesus understands the necessity of His disciples believing in His Word, i.e. knowing that what He says is true. In John 14 He has just promised His disciples that God has prepared heavenly mansions for His faithful followers and that upon His departure they know where He is going. Thomas indicates that they do not know where Jesus is going or how to get there. At that point, Jesus makes the bold claim that He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus’ testimony is right; His testimony is trustworthy; His testimony is truthful!
What a blessing that assurance must have been to Jesus’ disciples, and what a blessing it is to followers of Jesus today! In a world filled with skepticism and dishonesty, followers of Jesus can take comfort in the fact that He is truth. Peter writes to those who share his “like precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1) and emphasizes the necessity of truthful testimony. He says that there have been false prophets among them and that “there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies” (2 Peter 2:1). One can be easily swayed by the persuasive and cunning words of false teachers. Just ask Eve if you need verification (Genesis 3:1-6). Lean on Jesus, trust His Word, and follow His direction!
Today, I will…meditate on the words of the song “Bless Thou the truth dear Lord, to me, to me,” and thank God for His truthfulness.