Reading With the People of God #12 - the Good LifeSample

One Truth

Flattery, conceit, lust for power…the stories we read in the Old Testament contain all of the necessary characteristics for a blockbuster movie. The false prophets are masterful at flattery and caressing Ahab’s conceit. This is why Ahab listens to them instead of the truth from God’s prophet. Why King Jehoshaphat (who was a fairly good king and had ‘some’ respect for the Lord) wanted to join forces is a mystery. At least Jehoshaphat wanted to hear from God’s prophet. Enticed by what he wants to hear, Ahab enjoys hearing Micaiah quote the other advice given. However, when asked for the true word of the Lord, he gladly shares what God says.

Centuries later, the standard practice for the Pharisees was to quote the law and the prophets, also to entice and elicit a desired outcome. Jesus clarifies the importance of justice found in the law and prophets of the Old Testament. However, He plainly states that the sincere path to the Lord is simple and singular. Identified as narrow, there is no mistaking the truth as opposed to the path of destruction, which is wide with multiple choices and a wide margin.

The freedom we have to choose a relationship with the one true God is found in a simple, singular boundary…Jesus. The belief that He is God and is the only sacrifice made for the atonement of our sin brings us to the one bridge that leads us to God. Without this one and only way, all other possibilities bring eternal death and existence away from the presence of God. Abiding in that one truth and boundary brings the freedom from sin and eternal death to a life of fulfillment in Christ Jesus.

* Primer contributed by Gaylyn Mott, Teacher, Musician, Yarn Artist, Member of Cornerstone Community Church