Twice in the last week, I have heard the statement ‘It’s what we think we know that keeps us from learning.” Now, that is a truth! Also, do you remember the comedy show on television that had a segment with a grown woman (Lily Tomlin) dressed as a little girl seated in an over-sized rocking chair? The “little girl” would make a statement and end by saying, “And that’s the truth!” At my age, I am becoming more fond of the truth.
Our news media could be called the “News Mis-Leaders.”
Our nation is in the throes of medical mysteries, cultural confusion, and political pathos. What can we do? Where can we turn? How can we function? Who has an answer?
The Rev. Dr. Peter Marshall, pastor of New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC in the early 1940’s, when driving up to the house of worship where he would preach, would see lines of people stretching for blocks. They were standing in line to get into the building to hear his words from the famous pulpit. He was a spellbinding, scholarly, and low key preacher of truth.
One of the greatest (in my opinion) messages he ever delivered dealt with evil, morals, and ethics in a unique and biblical way. He used the Bible story of the prophets of Baal contending against the prophet of God, Elijah, on Mt. Carmel. The contest, recorded in the Old Testament, is found in the book of II Kings, chapter 18, verses 15 through 40. It was a test to see whose god would send fire to devour a thoroughly water-soaked makeshift altar with an animal sacrifice on top. The god of the prophets of Baal was deaf, powerless, and non-existent. The altar remained wet and untouched! Then after Elijah prayed a simple prayer, the God of the universe of universes answered with a display of unfathomable power! Fire fell from the heavens, devoured the sacrifice, and dried up all the water on it and in proximity to the area. God had spoken loudly by fire! Elijah won because he served TRUTH!
Dr. Marshall concluded his message by stating, “I do not know what course others make take; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord and you can go to Hell!”
Yes, I love truth because it is the answer to everyday living. And, I love TRUTH because of who HE is! Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” I believe him!
Stay blessed … and … to be continued!
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