People speak about and talk on many subjects. Many forcefully state their views and air their understanding. They push ideas and say it is the way it is to be. But what is truly the source for what is so confidently affirmed? As they speak, for whom are they truly speaking?
In responding to his friend Bildad, Job began. . .
“(2)How you have helped him who has no power! How you have saved the arm that has no strength! (3) How you have counseled him who has no wisdom, and plentifully declared sound knowledge! (4) With whose help have you uttered words, and whose breath has come out from you?” (Job 26:2-4 ESV)
Beginning with a little sarcasm, Job brought the attention to the issue of the source. Ultimately, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar had to make an offering and have Job pray for them because they had not spoken of God what was right (John 42:7-9) Though they had claimed to be speaking for God, it had not been by the help of His words or by the breath of His Spirit. What they had so confidently asserted was from their own limited understanding.
How many even today claim to be right when they are actually rightly wrong! Just as it occurred during the first century of the church there continue to be those who make confident assertions without proper understanding. (1 Timothy 1:7) This is why we must continue going back to God’s Word to be certain what we are accepting and declaring is right.
As Peter noted. . .
“(20) knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. (21) For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20-21 ESV)
I find great comfort in knowing where to go for guidance and understanding. Though I could error in my own understanding, I know the source of truth to which I can continually go as I accept the trustworthiness of God’s Word.
As Paul carried out his ministry of the Gospel it was with the aim. . .
“(2) But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:2 ESV)
Paul had no other agenda than to build his own life on the foundation of the Word of God as he continued to proclaim not himself but Jesus Christ as Lord. (2 Corinthians 4:5) May we also continue accepting and sharing the message as what “it really is, the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13) as we allow it to do its work in our heart and the heart of others for the transformation God intends!
Have a great day SEEKING AND SPEAKING THE TRUTH FROM ABOVE!
Carl
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(“teEn-MAIL” is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area.)
