The Challenge of Truth

A few thoughts over the next few posts from

Titus 1:1b
. . . and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

It is amazing what one word can do to an entire passage in scripture. The passage can go from a general idea, a great principle, one that paints broad brushstrokes, to one that locates you with surgical precision and all of sudden, as Paul in writes in the book of Hebrews. . .

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

There are times when we would rather the Word remain in the broad sweeping mode instead of the ½ inch brush that is used to get into the corners of our lives. Precise are the instruments that God most often will use in our lives, though, because our relationship with Him is individual, not corporate.

• While the Tabernacle was the place of corporate worship, the place that all of Israel looked to as the focal point of their existence, the brazen altar required an individual sacrifice.
• And on the Day of Atonement, the collective sins of the nation would be taken away, it was recorded in Isaiah Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
• The sins of the nation will not be attributed to those who are serving Him. . . Thanks be to God. Be covered in the Blood of the Lamb.

Much can be understood about that word “acknowledging.” The Greek word epignosis or acknowledgement gives us some indication of the idea behind the word which can be acknowledging in general...However, it also means a precise and correct knowledge. There is much to be said in regard to having a precise and correct knowledge.

At times there are things that are or may be obvious, but we either don’t think about it because it has been that way for years, and it may be wrong, but simply because it has always been done that way, we accept it until someone challenges us over it, and once we get over the initial shock of being challenged, it soon becomes evident that truth triumphs.

And if you are like me. . . . maybe you would rather ignore it at times in your life. It is easier to ignore something than to admit that it is correct.

• Gravity is obvious to us, but there was a time when it was obvious but not accepted. People had been hit in the head for years by falling apples, and yet it was ignored, even by the scientist of the day. Finally Newton was able to show it to us in a mathematical equation.
• They often call me the “Master of the Obvious,” in my line of work, enjoying my uncanny ability to tell what every one already knows, or should know. The funny part of it is that in the obvious, we often find the solutions to life.
• Often it is in the acknowledging of the obvious that we find great comfort. I can work with what I know. . .but I can’t control the unknowns of life.

It was in the life of Daniel that those knowns became so much more important than those unknowns. He knew that there was a Deliverer for him. So he returned to prayer, just as he had for many years, and in that KNOWN, he found peace in the unknowable.

He knew he was going to be thrown into the lions den. He also knew that the Lord could deliver him. How? Unknown, but he rested in the known. When? Unknown, but he rested in the known. Even the King spoke an unknown and was prophetic in Daniel 6:16Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

Please understand my frankness here, but truth stands regardless...
• Regardless if I like it or I don’t.
• If I recognize it or not.
• If I disregard it, or spit on it.

Truth is rooted in something much larger and grander than you or me, or all of us together. This is the direction that Paul was speaking from in Titus. Truth does exist, but whether we acknowledge it is another issue altogether.

Until the next post...May the blessings of God be on you...