ODB: speaking the truth
October 10, 2009
READ: 2 Chron. 24:15-22
He sent prophets to them, . . . but they would not listen. —2 Chronicles 24:19
In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch is a respected small-town lawyer in the segregated South during the 1930s. When he takes on a case that pits an innocent black man against two dishonest white people, Atticus knows he will face terrible prejudice from the jury. But his conscience compels him to speak the truth boldly in the face of opposition.
The Old Testament prophets were often sent to preach the truth to a stubborn people. “[God] sent prophets to them, to bring them back to the Lord; and they testified against them, but they would not listen” (2 Chron. 24:19). Their message often resulted in persecution and sometimes even death (Heb. 11:32-38).
During Christ’s ministry on earth, His message also resulted in angry opposition (Luke 4:21-30). Yet, in the sovereignty of God, the terrible miscarriage of justice that sentenced Jesus to death on the cross purchased our redemption. Now, as representatives of the risen Christ in this world, we are to promote reconciliation, justice, and integrity (Mic. 6:8; 2 Cor. 5:18-21). And in so doing, this may mean speaking the truth in the face of opposition. This is the charge to every believer until that day when Christ sets all things right (Rev. 20:11-15). — Dennis Fisher
It’s better to declare the truth and be rejected than to withhold the truth just to be accepted.
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Loading ...ODJ: satisfying life
My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life (John 10:10).
READ: Romans 5:12-21
There is probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.”
That message began appearing on the sides of London’s red buses last fall, courtesy of a group comprised of self-proclaimed atheists and secular humanists. They raised more than $113,000 for the ad campaign. It’s interesting to note, however, that some believers in Jesus also contributed to the project. Their reasoning for providing limited funds? They think that the ads are so poor that they actually point people to God!
One thing the ads subtly communicate is the idea that those who are in Christ are not “enjoying life.” But is that true? Jesus said, “My purpose is to give [Christians] a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10).
The apostle Paul stated: “Even greater is God’s wonderful grace and His gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death” (Romans 5:17). He highlights the fact that in Jesus we have received the gifts of righteousness (v.17), new life (v.18), and eternal life (v.21).
Our Lord has provided those blessings and others, including grace, peace, love, and salvation. In Adam there is only sin, death, and condemnation (vv.12,17,18). And as we consider this great divide, there’s at least one more important distinction to discuss. In this life, all people—including believers in Jesus—will face tough times (John 16:33). But those of us who have a personal relationship with Him experience the matchless comfort and joy of His presence (Matt. 28:20).
So what does an enjoyable life look like? It’s participating in the abundant feast of what Jesus has provided (Romans 5:17), not scratching for crumbs in the empty pursuits of this world. No God = no truly satisfying life. —Tom Felten
What enjoyable things have you been deprived of because of your relationship with Jesus? How has He fulfilled and satisfied you?
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