Scripture
Our verse for today comes from John 16:7a, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth.”
Background
When you read that verse with no context provided, your mind is open to interpret and inflect it in whichever way it is inclined to. If you are prone to be around those who recoil from speaking out, especially amidst difficult circumstances or to avoid unpleasant consequences, then you may want to make it known that you will take a stand where others may bow in silence. And as such, you may put the emphasis on the word “I.” Similarly, if the point of the matter is in relation to what gets recounted to and before others, recognizing that everyone is going to have something to say, you may be intent on highlighting the fact that you tell truth when so much of what else is said is something far less than that. And so, “truth” becomes what you stress most. If your hearer is so used to being lied to, or if everyone around them tells them only what they want to hear, then your focus becomes the word “you,” as you point out that your integrity demands that you say what others will not. And if you are able to remain faithful to what is true, in spite of how others may receive your message, if truth is valued over acceptance and popularity, then all for you hangs on the word “nevertheless.”, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth.”
Application
If you want to follow Jesus closely and be consumed in His light, then you may be left out by others. If obedience is paramount, and your own glory is discounted, then you will not always feel welcome. Nevertheless, you will tell the truth. If your message makes things uncomfortable, nevertheless you will tell the truth. If you are the only voice to speak, nevertheless you will tell the truth. If you have tried and failed before, nevertheless you will tell the truth. Knowing the truth is priceless, and telling it in love to deliver a soul declares its worth. We need to love Jesus enough to despise ourselves enough to tell the truth enough about our Savior who did enough. You may not know everything, nevertheless you know enough to tell the truth.
Charge
As we seek Him today, let the words of your mouth and the meditations of your heart be acceptable in His sight, our Rock and our Redeemer.
Rich Holt / Originally Published on : BCWorldview.org
Also published on : Medium.com.
