Scripture:
John 18:28-40
Mon, 10 April 2023

What Is Truth?

Observation:

How was Pilate’s judgment of Jesus a travesty of truth and justice?

Deeper Reflection
This week we explore the concepts of “truth” and “morality” and consider how we as Christians should think about them. Morality is essentially concerned with questions of right and wrong. It has been defined as “the end result of ethical deliberation, the substance of right and wrong”5. Every person possesses some moral knowledge or opinion as a part of their worldview. Truth, on the other hand, can be defined as “what is”; it explains how things really are and is independent of subjective opinion or belief.6 What is true corresponds with objective reality. Morality and truth are related but that is not always obvious or agreed upon. For example, in our postmodern age, many espouse a worldview that sees morality as situational and relative – this is understandable considering their philosophy that there is no higher, absolute truth; it is merely relative, a subjective opinion.7The question concerning the nature of truth finds expression in the exchange between Jesus and Pilate. Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” (v.38) has reverberated down the centuries. He appeared to be impatient and not genuinely interested in the answer to the question or hearing Jesus’ response. Right after he said that to Jesus, he went back outside and told the Jews, “I find no guilt in Him.” (v.38). Pilate then proceeded to release a convicted robber instead of Jesus as a goodwill gesture to the Jews at Passover, in violation of his own judgment that Jesus was innocent. Thus, Pilate demonstrated cynicism towards the importance of truth – to him it was a fluid concept that could be conveniently adapted as and when needed for political expediency.
5 Scott B. Rae, Moral Choices: An Introduction to Ethics (4th ed.; Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2018 [1995]), p.20 6 For example, the earth revolves around the sun even if you think differently because you see the sun “rising” and “setting” 7 In the postmodern worldview, truth is what each individual believes it to be; there is no objective moral truth. One often hears this: “truth is just truth to you” and “you have your truth and I have mine.” Cf. Michael W. Goheen and Craig G. Bartholomew, Living at the Crossroads: An Introduction to Christian Worldview (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008), esp. pp.109-114.
Application:

How committed am I to the truth in all my dealings with others even when it
will cost me significantly and personally to be truthful?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, empower me with Your Spirit that I can be like You in my response to others. In times of tension and conflict, help me to remain calm, strong and committed to the truth even when others do not treat me with kindness, honesty or fairness. Strengthen my resolve to be true to You above all and find the grace and wisdom to do the right thing in Your eyes. In Your name, amen.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self
 

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 6:1-10
Wed, 7 June 2023

Consistent Daily Devotion to God

Observation:

What does verse 10 tell us about Daniel?

Deeper Reflection
For Daniel’s distinguishing competency and character, and commitment to ensuring that the king suffered no loss in his empire, Darius “planned to appoint” him “over the entire kingdom” (v.3). But out of jealousy, Daniel’s fellow-commissioners and the satraps attempted to accuse him of “negligence or corruption” in “government affairs” (v.4a). They could find nothing, because Daniel was “faithful” (v.4b). So, they planned to make accusation against him “with regard to the law of his God” (v.5). And they maliciously instigated Darius to establish a law that “anyone who makes a petition to any god or man” besides the king “for thirty days, shall be cast into the lion’s den” (vv.6-9).Then, “when Daniel knew that the document was signed…he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously” (v.10). This was Daniel’s spiritual discipline with a structure of regular “three times a day”. He kept it daily. We can say that Daniel never missed his quiet time. The most important words in the verse may be “when Daniel knew that the document was signed”. They indicate the context of Daniel’s spiritual discipline: A discipleship challenge where his life was at stake. Daniel’s spiritual discipline was no mere religious ritual and routine. He could have skipped his quiet time “for thirty days” and be safe. He didn’t. Daniel’s spiritual discipline manifested his consistent daily devotion to “his God”: “he continued…three times a day…as he had been doing previously.” At the heart of this spiritual discipline was Daniel’s relationship and fellowship with “his God”.
Application:

How can I cultivate a consistent daily devotion to God?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for the Generations: That young people will seek to be devoted to God consistently
  • Pray for self
 

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