“What is Truth?”

Thursday, January 07, 2021

BIBLE READING: Psalm 119.153-160 (RESH)

“The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” (Psalm 119.160)

We live in a world where “truth” is regarded subjectively. The “Speak Your Truth” movement popularized by Oprah Winfrey attests to the prideful way many contextualize information. “If it makes sense to me, it must be true.” The culture may call this “truth”, but it anything but that.

God’s word reveals that truth is an objective reality that can be known by all. “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth”(John 17.17). As our verse today reminds us, truth emanates from God and what he has spoken. As Creator, he has authority over this world to define what is and is not.

As such, the Word of God and His law are not true simply in the sense that they are in accord with science, human nature, or some abstract ethical principle. The great confession given by Ezra after the Jews returned from bondage emphasized God's nature as “truth” in what He did in creation, election, redemption, and the giving of the law: “You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven and gave them right rules and true laws, good statutes and commandments,  and you made known to them your holy Sabbath and commanded them commandments and statutes and a law by Moses your servant" (Nehemiah 9.13-14)

While our post-modern society echoes the proclamation of Pilate– “What is truth?” (John 18.38) – through faith we must attest that objective truth exists and is governed, embodied, and defined by God. Last year, we heard many things that were presented as true, but turned out to be false. We became keenly aware that “truth” from men is subject to the fickle nature of men. But behind all the twists of information and agendas lie an unalterable reality: Events occurred in a definite way. Choices were made with specific motives. We will never be able to untangle the deception Satan works in this world, but God can and does because he is truth (Hebrews 4.12-13).

God has been and always will be the origin of reality and truth. Therefore, to know God through his words brings reality and life (John 17.3-19). But more importantly it confronts us with choice. The truth of God is designed to be reflected in our lives. “Only fear the Lord and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you” (1 Samuel 12.24).

Our affirmation or rejection of truth does not change the fixture of what God has determined (Psalm 119.89). Jesus came to attest to this truth (John 18.37). As time continues, we see that “every word of God proves true…” (Proverbs 30.5). And so, let us remember that “man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4.4, cf. Deuteronomy 8.3).

“You will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8.31-32)

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