The "Truth" Is His Name
For those of you who are following my Discipleship Course, in a more extensive way, in Lesson One, I share teachings regarding Jesus, Himself, being the Word of God, the very Word that was with the Father in Heaven (in the beginning), and in fact, according to the word of God, it is proclaimed that Jesus and the Father are one. This same Word (Jesus) came to earth in the form of flesh, and dwelt among us. As we look at several verses of scripture on the subject of "TRUTH", keep in mind such Truth (or the Word), is speaking regarding Jesus, for He is the Truth ... the very Word (or Truth) of God. For more information on this, you might want to look into Lesson One of my Discipleship Course.(Found under the Discipleship link):
According to the Strong's Concordance, the word "TRUTH" (there are many meanings listed in the Strong's) means:
Christ;
The sayings of God; Moral precepts given by God; Doctrine and teaching.
Also found listed in the Strong's Concordance were these words:
In John, denotes the essential Word of God, Jesus Christ, the personal wisdom and power in union with God, his minister in creation and government of the universe, the cause of all the world's life both physical and ethical, which for the procurement of man's salvation put on human nature in the person of Jesus the Messiah, the second person in the Godhead, and shone forth conspicuously from His words and deeds.
Now, let's look at several scripture verses, and apply them to Jesus (The Truth).
And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. John 8:32 (Amplified Bible).
Looking into the strong's Concordance, one of the meanings of truth is this: "what is true in any matter under consideration". Because Jesus is the Truth, and there is no lie in Him, everything He speaks, everything He teaches, everything written in His word is to be believed, for ... He is the Truth!
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6 (KJV)
Notice here, Jesus does not say He "tells" the truth (although we know He certainly does), but He says He "is" the truth (I am the truth)? He also tells us in this verse that there is no other way to the Father, except by (through) Him. Let not other religions sway you into deception, as there is only one way, and that way is Jesus.
Assuming that you have really heard Him and been taught by Him, as [all] Truth is in Jesus [embodied and personified in Him], Eph 4:21 (Amplified Bible).
This verse leaves no doubt to the fact that Jesus is the Truth, as the very Truth was embodied and personified in Him. As you read about the Truth in God's word, see the words you are reading, not as just pages of paper, but rather as Jesus, alive, speaking to you.
But we, brethren beloved by the Lord, ought and are obligated [as those who are in debt] to give thanks always to God for you, because God chose you from the beginning as His firstfruits (first converts) for salvation through the sanctifying work of the [Holy] Spirit and [your] belief in (adherence to, trust in, and reliance on) the Truth. [It was] to this end that He called you through our Gospel, so that you may obtain and share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). (2 Thes 2:13-14 Amplified Bible)
A specific part of this scripture verse is what I want to address: "and [your] belief in (adherence to, trust in, and reliance on) the Truth" ... that you might obtain and share in the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Simply trust in Jesus (adhere to, trust in, and rely upon Him). Remember, He is the Word, so you cannot seperate Him from the words spoken in the written word of God.
Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. 2 Tim 2:15 (Amplified Bible).
Study means: Labour; To exert one's self, endeavour, give diligence.
This is especially true if you desire to teach God's people. You must labour in His word, so that you will be found teaching His truth, and not your own ideas. Such labour is the only way to correctly analyze and accurately teach the Word of Truth.
Where am I going with all of this? I am attempting to show you the importance of His Truth ... of the word of God, and of spending time in His word, getting to know the Word of Truth (Jesus). If you met a new person and decided you'd like to be pen pals, if your new pen pal didn't write to you (or the other way around), you would never get to know this new person in your life. The same applies to our relationship with Jesus. If we don't sit down and allow Him to speak to us through the "letter" He wrote to us (the Bible), we will never truly get to know Him. He also desires that we talk to Him about what concerns us, our interests, etc., even about His letter to us, and what perhaps we might not understand in His teachings, that He can fellowship with us, as well, that He can teach us, lead us and guide us along this path, called life. How greatly do you desire to know the very One who died for you, that you might live? Did you know unto Him, through your obedience to Him, you are a peculiar possession and treasure ... His treasure?
Now therefore, if you will obey My voice in truth and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own peculiar possession and treasure from among and above all peoples; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation [consecrated, set apart to the worship of God]. Ex 19:5-6a (Amplified Bible).
Please understand that the word peculiar here, does not speak of "weird or strange" as some would have you believe. Rather, peculiar in this verse means this: Special; Valuable property (Strong's Concordance).
Wouldn't it be nice to make it a point to spend time with the very One who counts us to be His treasure. With Christmas just around the corner, why not plan to spend some time with the very One Christmas is all about ... Jesus. Read His word. If you're not one that reads His word much, or perhaps not at all, a good place to start is in the Book of John (New Testament). You will be blessed as you do so. Both the KJV and the Amplified Bible are also available on CD Disks, for listening (another great way to nourish your soul on God's Word.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:34 (KJV).
Where's our treasure? Is Jesus our treasure. If so, He is where our hearts will be, and, remain (with and in Him). May it be so ... Amen!
May the Lord's heart be very near to yours this weekend, and may you find a hunger after Him, burning in your hearts!
In His love, Marcia.
