Choosing Which Way

Is it possible to see a correlation between our current government leadership and the Pharaoh of the Exodus? During the sequence of plagues falling on Egypt, the Pharaoh stubbornly refused to acknowledge the truth presented before him. Though reluctant, his own advisors were truthful in saying that the plagues came from the finger of God (Exodus 8:19). Government officials today see true problems plaguing our country yet remain obstinate in their refusal to acknowledge responsibility or to resolve problems.

It is possible to see the discomfort of many as truth is revealed. A loose paraphrase of Isaiah 30:10,11 may be relevant for current times: "The powers that be say to the media, 'Do not see,' and to the pundits, 'Do not tell the people the right things, tell them what they want to hear even if it is a lie. Get out of the way, turn aside from the path because there is no need to bother God.'" It is unfortunate that in their stubbornness people accept the false security of illusions and lies. Rather than accept reality, principles of truth are compromised in exchange for comfort.

Obstinacy will blot out the truth. It is not enough to only look upon truth, it must become part of one's being. Applying the principles of truth should be a daily experience whether in light or darkness. When enveloped by darkening shadows, God is there to guide our steps out of the gloom. He uses truth to light the way on the right path. Such expedient truth is applicable for today and tomorrow. It is freely available to those who pray, "Oh Lord, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me" Psalm 43:3.

In response to questioning by Pontius Pilate, Christ said that He came into this world to bear witness to the truth. Pilate's retort was rhetorical, "What is truth?" (John 18:37,38). Many today like Pilate fail to recognize the truth that is present before them. The failures of government public education portray truth as something relevant to the moment. Their truth seeks whatever advances their standing or cause. Without an acknowledged standard of truth, morality ceases to exist with no basis for right and wrong. Justice becomes distorted by the dictates of those in power.

There is no need to worry about being captive to the dictates of others when knowing the truth that sets us free (John 8:32). Even though God reveals to us "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) many are determined to choose their own way. The prophet Jeremiah recognized this with the words, "Oh Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps" Jeremiah 10:23. King Solomon desired that his children and others understand the results of choosing their own way. The importance of this becomes evident as he repeats the same exact words in separate passages of Scripture: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" Proverbs 14:12; 16:25.

[All Bible texts from NKJV]

 

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