Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” (John14:6)

The above statement was prompted by Thomas's question, “How can we know the way?” The Lord plainly stated he is the only way to God. He is the truth. And he is the life.

Skeptics of all times have deemed truth to be unattainable. It was most likely what prompted the Roman Governor Pilate to question, “What is truth”? But, Jesus had stated it was for this reason he came into the world, and if anyone hears his voice, they are of the truth. Moral relativism and the pluralistic mantras of our time have distorted societies’s moral anchor and lead to many the silly notion that “all is relative”. 

How does Christ reveal his truth? The most obvious answer to this question is by his recorded words. Certainly man cannot discover God”s will by his own intuition for, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) God had to reveal his word to man, and has done so through his Son. (Hebrews 1:1,2; John 12:48; Ephesians 3:4,5; 2 Peter 3:1,2)  

All of the wisdom and genius of man cannot compare to the marvelous insight of Jesus. One can learn much from his life and character. He shows us who God is, and reveals through his words and deeds important principles of love and conviction. He shows us how to escape the corruption and the dominion of sin, and how to live victorious lives.

The truth of Jesus cannot be attained by passive hearts. It is his gained by diligence. God's will is to be sought with an open heart. It is to be pursued as one mining for hidden treasure, and desired for as one who is hungry and thirsty!

Come and sit at the feet of the teacher, and reap the blessings! For Jesus said, “you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

By George Slover                

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet- smelling aroma.”  (Ephesians 5:1,2)

At the end of chapter 4, we are urged to have the forgiving spirit of Christ. Now at the beginning of chapter 5, we are commanded to imitate the Father's love.

Just as a child tries to walk in the shoes of their human father, God's children are to be like the heavenly Father. But how is that possible? One can never attain to the remarkable wisdom and power of God! While this is true, we are still expected to emulate the purity, forbearance, and forgiving spirit of God.

The operative word is love, which Paul says is the fulfillment of the law. (Galatians 5:14) This love promotes the proper motive in every human relationship. It is best manifested in deeds, not just words. “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)

God provided us with a picture of such love. We are instructed to walk in love as Christ has loved us.  Here is one who offered himself for us. There is no better example than Jesus! “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

Such love is manifested in God’s children through unselfish deeds. This means that every action toward others is motivated by a genuine care for their souls.  It calls for one to have an approachable, caring spirit, and to sacrifice one's life as an offering for the well-being of others.

God received the sacrifice of Christ as a sweet smelling aroma. This means his sacrifice was well pleasing to God. When one generously offers their life to the Lord’s cause, they too offer a sweet smelling sacrifice to God.  (Philippians 4:18) 

We are to be filled with Divine thoughts and warmed by Divine love.  The more one appreciates God's love toward them, the more surely one would desire to capture the loving spirit of the Father.    

By George Slover          
 

who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” (Romans 4:18)

In this section of Romans Paul uses Abraham as an example of one he was justified by faith. If we expect to be forgiven of sin and have a relationship with God, we must emulate the faith of Abraham. (vs 16)

God had made a promise to Abraham to multiply his seed, specifically through his wife Sarah. The son born to them and his descendants were to be heirs of the land of Canaan. However there was a problem. Sarah, now 90 years old, was barren. (Genesis 17:17)  Never-the-less, Abraham still believed in the promise of God.

Here Paul notes a relationship between faith and hope. "Hope" is an expectation of the future. "Faith" is the basis of such an expectation. Faith is in a person. Hope relates to an anticipated event. Hope is strengthened by confidence in the one who has made the promise.

There is a hope that is based on human experience. A child anticipating a gift, a bride anticipating a wedding, a family anticipating a vacation are all examples of such hope. Abraham’s hope was not based upon human experience, but on the promises of any eternal, and powerful God. He believed in a God who “gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did”. (vs. 16)  Abraham’s assurance is based upon his faith in the immutable promise of a supreme and Almighty God.

But, Paul says Abraham “contrary to hope, in hope believed”. Abraham and Sarah up to this point are childless. She is 90 years old and he is 100 years old. The promise of a son seems to be beyond all hope of fulfillment. Still, Abraham took God at his word. He believed all that God said, and anticipated the fulfillment of the promise.

The same God who brought life to the dead womb of Sarah, also brought life to the dead tomb of his own son, Jesus Christ. (Vs. 24) We also have every assurance that God will make good on this promise.

If we limit our hope to earthly expectations we will become discouraged. But in the God of Abraham we have a hope that is sure and steadfast, and an anchor of the soul.

By George Slover 
 

And: ‘You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail.’”  (Hebrews 1:10,11) 

In this context the author is establishing the superiority of the son of God to the angels. For further proof he makes these observations from Psalm 102:25-27. The Psalmist during a time of affliction, draws strength from the nature of God. In the Hebrew letter, the author applies these the Divine traits to the son of God. 

The Son is the creator of the universe. In the beginning he laid the foundation. The heaven and earth have not always existed, nor did they self originate. But, “in the beginning God created” (the Hebrew is barah which means create something from nothing) “the heavens and the earth”. (Genesis 1:1) He did not form them out of pre-existing materials. The Son of God made them from nothing.

We are told this universe is changing. Scientists say it's running down like a top that stops spinning. Changes are evident in our own lives; loved ones die, seasons come and go, we are growing older. But the very one who framed this world is still sovereign ruler. By his very word the fundamental elements stand together. 

Though change is evident in the world, Jesus remains the same. In chapter 6 the Hebrew author speaks of the immutability of Christ’s counsel.  See Hebrews 6:17,18. Christ’s character always remains the same. He is always just, always merciful, always true to his purposes and promises. And the needle of his moral compass never moves. This brings comfort to those who trust in him.

One day this world will be completely dissolved, but the Lord is eternal. “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. (Revelation 1:18) The Eternal One promises victory to those who overcome the world’s charms and devote their lives to him.

How immeasurably marvelous is the Son of God. Even though life in this world can be challenging, we have every reason to trust him at all times!   

By George Slover     

Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name. “They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts,“On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.”

God has a book of remembrance written before him. Those who have devoted their lives to God are stored up in God's memory, awaiting the day of judgment.

A day of reckoning is identified by the prophet. It will be a time when God separates the righteous from the wicked! Who will be in God's book of remembrance? Who will find themselves among God's special treasures?

God says, “On the day that I make them My jewels”. “Jewels”, a feminine noun meaning a personal possession is one of the most and exciting descriptions of God's relationship with his people. The unique position of the people of God has so many exciting implications. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.” (1 Peter 2:9)  These are Gods people!

It is humbling to think that God would regard anyone as his treasure. Sin and rebellion abound. Yet, God loved man enough to provide a way. In the midst of wickedness, Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, Abraham was called God's friend, Israel was his special treasure, Paul was his Apostle, and we can be his own special people. The marvel of it all!

Every individual in this world has the potential of being one of God's treasures. Through the blood of Christ they can be forgiven. By the power of his word and providence, God can take the diamond in the rough in shape it into something very special.

By George Slover