Is Truth Absolute?

Psalm 119:43 (NET) - Do not completely deprive me of a truthful testimony, for I await your justice.

The Psalmist understood the importance of truth.

He also understood that truth was of the Lord and truth was absolute.

These are concepts with which the world has lost touch.

So much so, that truth has become a relative commodity.

We even state that what is true for one person may not be true for another.

This is dangerous ground on which to stand.

Truth must be absolute.

Truth that becomes relative ceases to be the truth.

Paul understood this.

That is why he repeatedly charged Timothy to adhere to the truth.

His warning echoes through the centuries to us today.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NET) - For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths.

In today’s world, people tend to listen only to those whose views already align with their own.

Today’s media outlets cater to their audiences.

It occurs in the realm of politics where the elected rely on opinion polls.

It also occurs in the realm of education where young minds are influenced.

Sadly, it even occurs within the realm of the church.

Paul’s warning to Timothy grows more ominous daily.

Fortunately, it is not too late.

We still have time to seek truth.

Truth that is absolute instead of relative.

Truth that is substantial rather than fleeting.

But how does one determine what is truth and what is not?

We must learn (or re-learn) that truth holds up in the light of scripture.

In the end, God is the best teacher.

He can help us discern the truth.

He can help us see past a viewpoint beyond our limited experiences.

Then, and only then, can we learn to truly embrace the diversity of His creation.

True, we will still find ways in which to disagree with each other.

But we must not abandon the truth.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 27, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, September 3, 2021

Trust and Victory

Exodus 14:13-14 (NET) - Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord that he will provide for you today; for the Egyptians that you see today you will never, ever see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you can be still.”

The heading for this chapter in this translation reads “The Victory at the Red Sea.”

I prefer this to other translations that refer to it simply as the crossing of the Red Sea.

The last part of verse fourteen states: “The Lord will fight for you, and you can be still.”

As the Egyptians closed in on God’s people they cried out to Moses.

With their backs to the sea, they were certain they were about to die.

Moses knew better.

Moses knew that God would fight for them.

So, he reminded them of this.

God then instructed Moses to have the people move toward the sea.

He then instructed Moses to raise his staff and divide it.

The sea parted and the people advanced through it on dry ground.

After the people crossed, God instructed Moses to extend his hand toward the sea.

The divided sea then covered the pursuing Egyptians.

The waters covered them, and the people never saw them again.

Exodus 14:31 (NET) - When Israel saw the great power that the Lord had exercised over the Egyptians, they feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.

Centuries later, Paul understood that the Lord was still dependable.

This is evident in his letter to the Hebrews.

Hebrews 10:23 (NET) - And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess, for the one who made the promise is trustworthy.

Centuries later, we have the same assurance.

At times, the road we travel makes it difficult for us to see this.

During such times we can turn to the Lord.

We can ask for the strength to see.

The Lord will then open our eyes once more.

He will help us find His calling.

He will also help us to see His calling in others.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, August 13, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, August 20, 2021