To Tell The Truth

Job 12:1, 13:3-17, 20-27
John 8:33-47
Who is it, exactly, that speaks for God? This question is addressed in both the Job and John passages today, and in each case with strong language. Job accuses his friends of speaking “falsely for God” (Job 8:7), with “maxims (that) are proverbs of aches” (v. 12). According to John, Jesus gives a scathing indictment of the religious people of his day calling them children “of the devil” who is “the father of lies” (John 9:44). This is scary stuff. As people of God, as those who have received the word of God, how do we make sure that we are not speaking “falsely for God” with worthless platitudes or bromides? This is one of those questions that simply never goes away. For centuries the church has had to deal with differences of opinion over how to interpret scripture, what constitutes baptism or the Lord’s supper, who may serve as ordained leaders of congregations and denominations, and a whole host of other issues. And while from time to time we experience a minor breakthrough, the disunity continues.

I want to offer a partial answer to the question today, one that might help us close the gap just a little. In his book, Reading the Bible and Confessions the Presbyterian Way (1999, Geneva Press, Louisville, KY), Jack Rogers mentions a number of principals for interpreting scripture that point us in the correct direction. One of them is what Rogers calls “the rule of love.” If reading a passage of scripture leads us to the conclusion that it is appropriate to hate one another or to act out of disregard for our fellow creatures, then we have misunderstood the passage and should read and consider it more carefully. I think this is what Jesus wanted folks to hear and accept as well.

Beyond that we must never misrepresent the good news of the gospel, even when the truth is challenging to those who hear it, even when a slightly “watered-down” version might sound more attractive to prospective members. There is truth behind everything that God has said: truth to live by, to love by, to strive by, to be aware of, to share with others. And God’s word, when wrestled with on a constant basis, produces good fruit for the entire community. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord, may we represent you to others with truth and honesty, that all may come to know your love and abide by it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.