“A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver” Proverbs 25v11
We live in a world of “fake news”, “selective reporting” and people being “economical with the truth” which are all euphemisms for lying and the famous Sir Winston Churchill even coined the term “terminological inexactitude” to describe it. The reality is that lies always lead to confusion and anger, but good news is to be found in the Book of Numbers (4th book in GOD’S WORD/The Bible) chapter 23 v19: “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfil?”
Firstly: we read that God does not lie. In uncertain times it is assuring when we can rely on what somebody says or promises. It used to be said “An Englishman’s word is his bond”, but sadly that is not often the case anymore. But God never lies, so we can be confident that John 3v16 is true: “ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Secondly: God does not change His mind. Just as children are comfortable when parents are consistent, so we are blessed knowing that God is the same yesterday, today and for ever. However, if we badger God enough, He will allow or even give us what we want even when He knows the negative outcome. This doesn’t mean God has changed His mind rather God allows us to pursue the desires of our heart and reap the consequences so we will learn to trust Him in the future! “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6v7. The Parable of the Prodigal Son relates how the rebellious son twisted his father’s arm and went on his own way sadly reaping what he sowed. But even though the Father had been rejected, the good news was that he daily scanned the horizon hoping for his son to come to his senses. After some time, the son returned in repentance and the Father ran and hugged him. God’s Compassion, His mercy, His Grace and His Love never changes just like good parents praying for their wayward children to come to their senses and embracing them when they do so.
Thirdly: God fulfils His promises. The Bible is full of promises which have been fulfilled, but a promise which is ongoing is found in Hebrews 13v5: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” People believe the lie that money brings contentment, but the greatest source of contentment is TO KNOW GOD is with us during times of sorrow, loss, pain, despair, confusion as well as during times of joy and success. That’s God’s promise, but we have a responsibility to never ‘step out of His love’ (Jude 1v21).
Have a Blessed week
Graeme Greenwood