“Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” — Psalm 119:89 (NIV)
We can all appreciate the value of a vintage automobile. We are awed by the pyramids in Egypt. We are intrigued by anything that has lasted a long time. We are intrigued by these things because nothing seems to last these days. The most modern cell phones and computers seem to be obsolete before we have had them for a year. We now place “life expectancies” on the things we buy and even on our relationships. Besides God, can you think of anything that might be eternal? Something that lasts forever?
The psalmist says that God’s word is eternal. He adds that “it stands firm in the heavens.” This is an interesting thought in our age of redefining the Word of God. For more than a century we have dealt with theologians and pastors who believe God’s Word must be redefined to meet cultural needs and expectations. Basically what they are saying is that God’s Word is not valid or meaningful until I (the interpreter) give it value and meaning. That is the very opposite of being eternally firm. If God’s Word needs me to tell it what it really means, then it is no different from the computer that is outdated the day I buy it. If God’s Word is going to mean something different tomorrow because of someone’s new interpretation, then it is not eternally true. If God’s Word is not eternally true, then there are no eternal and absolute truths. The truth of every thought must wait for you or me to decide whether to validate it. At this point, all truth becomes subjective and relative. This is exactly where our society and church is challenged today!
The psalmist says that God’s truths are eternal. They are unchanging principles that govern our existence. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, and the TRUTH, and the life” (John 14:6). Jesus is not a truth waiting to be defined by us. He is an absolute unchanging Truth that we need to seek out and discover. He is an eternal treasure worthy of being sought out and found. It is upon this unchanging truth of Jesus, and His Word, that we stake our faith and our hope.
Know this for sure: In this uncertain and changing world, God and His Word are certain and unchanging. They are eternal and true!
Peace!
Pastor Tom
www.firmlyrooted.church