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by Kevin Pauley
The instruction of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. - Psalm 19:7 HCSB
We have all been had by unreliable people. We’ve all known people who said they would be somewhere at a certain time or do something for you and did not fulfill their promise. Concerning these kind of people the Bible says, “A man giving false testimony against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow. Trusting an unreliable person in a time of trouble is like a rotten tooth or a faltering foot.”[1]
Hashem’s word is not like that. It is utterly trustworthy. The Lord God’s Word is like a laid stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes it will be unshakable.[2] In fact, God’s Word is so known for reliability that it is from the Ten Commandments that were engraved in stone that we get the phrase that a sure thing is “engraved in stone”!
God’s moral law is true. Since it is true it is reliable and trustworthy. Since it is reliable and trustworthy, those who cling to its precepts can be ethically and spiritually sure-footed. Both its promises and its threats can be believed. If Hashem says a thing, you can place your bet on it.
For example, the prophet Isaiah predicted a coming conqueror would overwhelm unbeatable Babylon and Isaiah even named him – Cyrus. 150 years later, Cyrus was born and thirty years after that (180 years after Isaiah’s prediction) Cyrus conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews to return and rebuild the Temple, precisely as the Lord predicted through Isaiah.[3]
God’s predictions may at times seem delayed but this only because they have an appointed time. The wise will wait for the fulfillment because it will certainly come right on time. Those who wish to be wise will react as Habakkuk did and stand at our guard post and station ourselves on the lookout tower![4]
In uncertain times, rely on the Word of God. As long as you are obedient, do not fear for the Lord is with you. Do not be afraid because Hashem is your God and He will strengthen you. He will help you; holding on to you with His righteous right hand. As sure as death, those who are enraged against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will become as nothing and will perish. One day you will look around and you will not find them. Those who war against God’s people will become absolutely nothing for the Lord our God holds our right hand and says, “Do not fear, I will help you.”[5]
He who started this good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.[6] You can count on it because His testimony is trustworthy.
[2] Isaiah 28:16; the verse that is overlaid onto the image above taken by Tara Floyd
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
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