Isaiah 45: Verse 19 (NIV)
I have not spoken in secret,
from somewhere in a land of darkness;
I have not said to Jacob’s descendants,
‘Seek me in vain.’
I, the Lord, speak the truth;
I declare what is right.
Isaiah 46: Verse 10-11 (NIV)
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.’
From the east I summon a bird of prey;
from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.
What I have said, that I will bring about;
what I have planned, that I will do.
Matthew Chapter 10: verses 26-27 (NIV)
“So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs”
Again today, it was one word that grabbed my attention. It seems to be a bit of a theme this week! The word was ‘declare’. If you declare something you are making a very definite statement of intent, often publicly. This is what God is reminding the people of Israel through His messenger, Isaiah. God is very clear when He speaks. We are not left in any doubt, and He doesn’t hide things from us. In a sense everything is in plain sight if we take the time to look.
People are often surprised by what is written in the Bible. But it’s been there all the time. I’ve often said that a pastor I knew used to say the Bible was as up-to-date as today’s newspaper. Today that would be as up-to-date, and in many cases, more accurate than the latest social media post. God will do always just what He has said He will. We can trust and rely on that.
But it also strikes me that as ambassadors and followers of Jesus we are sometimes loathe to be as bold and forthright about all that’s written in the Bible. Its not like a politician’s manifesto which declares the intention of a party or government. Such declarations sadly are sometimes not fulfilled and people may look on them with distrust. Not so with what God says. We know all that’s written in the Bible can be trusted and therefore we should not be afraid to declare what it says. Jesus warned His disciples that there would come a time for bold declaration. At times it feels today that it is much more difficult to do that, but perhaps this is the very time that we need to.
Dear Lord,
It does seem that your ambassadors are more readily ridiculed for boldly declaring the truth that has always existed. Help me to be bold enough to do so as the Holy Spirit directs, knowing that Your word can be relied on, and that You will do all that You have said. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.