His Truth and Our Truth is Marching on
Occasionally I enjoy watching courtroom reality shows like Judge Judy or Judge Karen. Those shows are actual small claims court cases and truth is expected when a court official instructs the plaintiff and the defendant to raise their right hands and give an answer to these words: “Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth…so help you God?” The anticipated response is always “I do.” A sworn oath has just been entered into and an expected testimony of truth should be forthcoming. But how often are those who will give their account really truthful?
During this month of March, I’ve been singing these words: “His truth is MARCHING on” from the “Battle Hymn of the Republic”. God’s truth is His God-honest truth that cannot lie. That is what we receive from Him. His Gospel truth. His sovereign and holy truth. And, THAT truth continues to march on. God is ever dependable, and His every word is absolute truth. In fact, when He takes an oath, He takes it unto Himself. That’s how reliable His Word is. When God made His promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for Him to swear by, He swore by Himself (Hebrews 6:13). The bottom line is, God is the bottom line. Whatever He says, we can count on Him to do it. We can take it to the bank.
But, what about our truths? Are they reliable? Can God and others take our words to the bank? If we say it – is it truth – the Gospel truth? A very telling lyric from the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” states, “He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat.” And we believe that is exactly what is taking place even now as God searches the deep recesses of the hearts of those serving in the courts of our land, in places of government, ministry, politics, and other strategic leadership positions. But let’s take it personally. He is sifting out our hearts, too. Yikes!
Maybe we have never taken an oath in a courtroom, but we will ALL stand before our Great Lord and Judge one day Who will consider how truthful we have been. Yes, we have tremendous concern for our world, our country, our states, our churches and right to our individual homes. Is truth being spoken? Truth – God’s truth – isn’t that what we want from others and isn’t that what we want from each other in our homes and businesses? When our God says “I solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth” – we can count on it. And isn’t that oath one we should live out and swear to daily? Our truth is marching on!
When the enormity of God’s oath to Father Abraham takes root in our hearts and minds, we will never doubt His promises or His goodness towards us. We know and believe that what He says is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. And, when we take those words to heart and live them on purpose, we can say with certainty: “I tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth – so help me God!”