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in Truth

Perceiving Truth

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Epiphanies happen when we least expect them. My late mother used to love to read murder mysteries and would often go back through the books she read long after the dramatic conclusion was revealed – which she would usually get correct! She would then explain to the rest of us about how she had missed such obvious clues in the book but would still, usually, get the answer correct regardless. I remember asking her about it – how could she possibly still get it correct even when she would miss the hints, clues, and other pieces of evidence the whole time. She simply stated that it was just something inside of her, her own intuition and ability to perceive the truth. How simple an answer this is, but in reflecting upon it, what great power it carries: to be able to take less than obvious signs in a complex situation and realize the greater truth that would otherwise not be readily explained. I liken this to the situation of the Magi and to those who would hear the early preaching of Christ. To hear the literal words of Christ and, perhaps, not fully comprehend what they are bearing witness to. Continue to seek and know those moments in your life – to encounter Christ in them!

What is Truth?

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Two weeks ago I had an encounter with a couple which had me reflecting upon Pontius Pilate’s question to Jesus, “What is Truth?” I was at a restaurant with some friends when a woman and her husband approached me. They had noticed my collar and felt moved to come over and ask me some questions. These “questions” turned into an hour and a half long conversation. In this conversation they shared their story. They had a Christian background, but now did not identify as any religion. As the woman told me, there were just too many inconsistences and discrepancies in the Bible to be able to know what was true and what was false.

This led them on a crusade for truth that, as the woman admitted, made them so thoroughly confused they had no idea where to turn. Is Jesus really who he says he is? Was he really foretold in the Old Testament or did mankind read too much into the Scripture? How could the Bible be the Word of God if humans had written it? These were some of the questions that plagued her and yet the core of her angst was the very question Pilate asked Jesus 2000 years ago: What is Truth?

I am not going to necessarily answer that question today (sorry), but briefly look at the symptoms of Truth, because what struck me with this couple was what a life looks like without Truth. In my opinion, this couple was not looking for Truth, but rather proof, and oddly enough, this search for proof led them further from Truth.

Truth will always challenge us, but it will never confuse us or make us doubt more. This couple was very lost, they did not even know what they believed and did not believe anymore. Truth does not do this. Truth brings peace, comfort, stability, and a firm foundation. What is my “proof” that Jesus is who he says he is? Well, when I live the life Christ wants me to live, I am more at peace, more at comfort, more stable, and when I do not, my life quickly becomes tossed about in the storm. I may not always be able to explain away every inconsistency or discrepancy, I may not be able to answer every question, but I don’t need to. When living in the Truth there is little reason for proof, it is like asking a wife to prove her love to her husband.

What is Truth? I may not always be able to tell you the answer, but I can show you.

 

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