The Shocking Truth

When you know the truth, it is easy to state the facts. It is also easy to know what to do. The truth may be shocking to some, and offensive to others. But the truth is the truth. There is not my truth or your truth, there is only the truth. And when we speak the truth, we should not be surprised if sometimes others become uncomfortable.

Image courtesy of: davidseibold

Scripture:
“Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God’.” – Luke 9:60

Observation/Application:
Today’s scripture is a great example of when speaking the truth might be shocking to others. The burial of the dead was of sacred duty in 1st century Judaism. It took priority over virtually all other religious obligations at that time. So when Jesus said, “let the dead bury the dead”, he was saying that more important than burying the dead was responding to God’s call. He was saying that this is the most fundamental obligation of all. (8:21, 9:23, 14:26). Those unresponsive to the call (“the dead”) may bury the dead (physical). – For more on priorities of God’s kingdom, see MK 3:31-35.

When Jesus spoke truth, others were often shocked and challenged. Another example of this in scripture is when Jesus mother comes to see Him, and he says, “who are my mother and brothers”. He is not saying this to discount the commandment to “honor thy mother and father”. But Jesus is realigning our priorities. Many get this mixed up. He is not discounting His earthly family, but challenging our limited understanding of our human existence and our eternal being and family of God our Father through Christ our Lord. He is helping us understand that our number one priority, above all else, is to follow Christ and his call in our lives. (Supporting scripture: 1 Cor 7:12-13, 1 Tim 5:8, 1 Pet 3:1-2).

When speaking the truth, be ready for others to be shocked, uncomfortable, even claiming to be offended. Just as all the rough edges of a stone are slowly chipped away over time by the crashing of the waves against the sand, so too are our rough edges slowly chipped away. The breaking of these rough edges can be painful. And the waves of life can be tumultuous and scary as we get tossed around, sometimes even feel out of control. Have faith, for the Lord is with us always. The truth is the truth, solid as steel, and solid ground upon which you can always stand. God will see us through whatever challenges that life brings our way. And His plans for us are far greater than you or I could ever conceive.

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for this Word this morning. Help us to hear your call in our lives, and to follow your call. Remove the obstacles that are getting in between our destiny here in the flesh, such that I might live a long and prosperous life and bring others to You Lord, for Your glory. Give us wisdom and courage to speak the truth no matter how difficult it may be for others to hear. Let us walk in truth and light. And let us not waiver when others are shocked, uncomfortable, or offended. And help us to walk in love always Lord, and draw others close to you through the truth which is your Word, and by the power of the Holy Spirit that lives in us. Lord help us to be more like You. We ask this in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Photo By davidseibold

Please follow and like us: