Truth Revealed

“Now we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we would know the truth. We are in the one who is truth, God’s son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and life eternal.”

I have spent time this morning in prayer about this chapter, and the first word that came to mind is not from John but from Paul: “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” I have been struggling lately with attacks from the enemy. It seems like the more ground I try to claim for the Kingdom, the more Satan comes against me to steal, kill, and destroy. Those attacks most frequently come in the form of lies. Satan sells me illusions of failure and plants seeds of doubt that quickly turn my world upside down.

I wish I could say that I am immune, that Satan’s persecution doesn’t bother me, but that would be a lie. Some days I feel utterly weak and helpless… until I don’t. In those moments when I am desperate for revival, God says to me “Zac, my grace is sufficient for you. My power is made perfect in your weakness.” In those moments I am lifted up and the lies are revealed. As demons are named they lose their power. When darkness is illuminated, it is a lot less unsettling. Identifying an attack and leaning upon the sufficient grace of the Savior is the first step in overcoming the evil one. “Who is it that overcomes? All who believe that Jesus is the Son of God!” (1 John 5:5).

In a world full of lies, Jesus shows me what is real. Only when I press into him am I able to distinguish truth from falsehood. Without Jesus, the lies seem logical. I swallow them whole. I need Jesus and the word of God as a measuring rod (that is literally what “canon” means). Michael Goheen says that “the truth is most fully revealed in Jesus, and that is the criterion by which all other truth claims are assessed.” You can’t read much of John’s literature without encountering truth.

I love how Jesus asks Pilate in John 18:38, “What is truth?” Truth stands before the despot and yet he still can’t see it. At first glance, I critique Pilate for his blindness. But then I am convicted, reminded of all the times I believe the serpent’s whispers and forsake the truth standing right before my eyes. I am who the Word says I am. I am not my failures. I am not my doubts. When I lift my hands to heaven with tear-filled eyes, He gently restores my soul and reminds me of what’s real. If you are struggling this morning with anxiety, fear, doubt, worry…. Whatever it may be, stop and search the scriptures. Open your heart to the truth of Jesus and allow him to be made known in your situation. He came so that we would know Him. He came so that we would have abundant lives set free from the idols in our minds!

Precious Jesus, you are my rock and my redeemer. The winds blow and seas swell, but you are constant and unfailing. Illuminate darkness in my midst and expose the lies within. I reject that which is contrary to your Word and claim the authority of Jesus by the power of his Holy Spirit. My Counselor and Advocate, defend me when I am weak and powerless. When the battles in my mind leave me crippled and crushed, speak truth and revival over me. Breathe life into my dry bones that I might live again. Move me where I need to be today to speak truth into the life of another today. I pray always in the name of Jesus and through the power of His resurrection, Amen.