Death, Taxes, and the Word of God

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)

Cynics tell us the only constants in this life are death and taxes. This world is ever changing and ever dying. People die, promises are broken and relationships betrayed unto death. The elements ravage, the thief steals, and the moth destroys our possessions.

One thing more remains constant and true and faithful to us. God’s word. His promises, his character, and his standards, and his truth are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Even when we can’t see him, even when we can’t feel him, he is right where he always was. As the gospel song says, what he’s done before in history, he’ll do again for us. We don’t know how or when, but he will come through if we cling to his promises, remember how he’s always been faithful and come through for us before, and continue to trust him in this present storm.

One catch is God’s promises and God’s teachings are true and constant. Men’s interpretations thereof are quite the opposite. When God’s not doing what we expect, we need to be sure we are rightly dividing his word. Don’t take others’ word for it; search the scriptures. Learn the cultural and historical context. Look up the English words the translators chose in a dictionary to ensure proper understanding.  Cross-reference the scripture by other scriptures in other books of the bible as well as the immediate context. Try to read it without assumptions based upon your personal experiences and your culture. Those  twist the meaning of scripture away from their intent.

Lord, give us wisdom and knowledge to understand your word and the promises you make. Increase our discipline and hunger to equip ourselves. Strengthen our faith and our trust in you. Remove all blinders that keep us from grasping the truth of your word. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.