PRINCIPLES AND VALUES
“Open the gates, that the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter in” (Isaiah 26:2)
The term truth appears hundreds of times in the Scriptures. From Genesis to Revelation, this word can be associated with many positive expressions that link it to valuable life principles and great blessings. For example, there are verses that propose that truth is closely linked to love (1 Pet. 1:22), kindness (Eph 5:9), justice (Isa. 42:3), mercy (ps. 57:3,10), integrity (ps. 15:2), humbleness (Ps. 45:4) compassion (Zach. 7:9), reason (Acts 26:25), the law of God (ps. 119:114, 115) and freedom (John 8:32). Those who practice living, the truth can expect blessings such as: peace (Esther 9:30), wisdom (ps. 51:6, God protection (Ps. 91:4), atonement (Prov. 16:6) and salvation (Ps. 25:5). The wise Solomon stressed the fact that one who holds the truth will receive “favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man: (Prov. 3:3, 4).
But, despite these appealing expectations, we must admit that those who hold the truth (including the gospel’s) face certain difficulties. “The great obstacle both to the acceptance and to the promulgation of truth is the fact that it involves inconvenience and reproach” (The Great Controversy, ch. 26, p. 460.).
Indeed, the truth also causes conflicts and hostility. When truth comes to light, it simultaneously raises opposition. Even if the enemies of the truth cannot resist its power, they will seek its disapproval by bullying the weak, offering honors and advantages or silencing the ones who could speak. Do you remember the prophet Elijah who was pursued by evil Jezebel? Do you remember Jeremiah who was thrown away in a muddy well? What about John the Baptist at the hands of King Herod? As if one could prevent the fulfillment of these prophets’ words by silencing their voice!
Jesus, who not only always told the truth, but who said that the true was part of His nature (John 14:6), reproached His contemporary fellowmen, “You seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth” (John 8:40). Nevertheless, the truth shines even brighter amid the shadows of corruption and lies. The darker the night, the brighter and clearer the light of truth. He who promised to help us resist every temptation (1 Cor. 10:13) also promised that the truth would be a protective shield (Ps. 91:4), and that, in a not so distant future, the gates of the New Jerusalem will be open wide to “the … nation which keeps the truth” (Isaiah 26:2).
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Adults 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores:Ricardo Vela & Emmanuel Tapia
