June 6: INESCAPABLE TRUTHS

I once heard it said that “as” is the most terrifying word in the Bible. Think about it’s usage. “As you have done it unto the least of these, my brothers, you have done it unto me.”(Matthew 25:40) “As you would that men would do to you, do you even so to them.” (Matthew 7:12)
We do so many things and say even more things without considering the consequences. “As” is a word that demands accountability. “As” is a reminder that there are consequences for all our actions and words. In the terrible events of the school shootings and post office shootings, we have hurt and confused individuals responding “as” they have been treated.
“As you sow so shall you reap” (Galatians 6:7) has long been a standard of judgement in the Bible. Sin refuses to be hidden very long. The seeds of sin always take root and bear fruit. “As it is appointed unto men to die, it is appointed to man to face the judgement”.(Hebrews 9:27)
Some realities are inescapable, no matter where you turn. “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7) Evil imaginations and fantasies have a way of seeping out and the real person is revealed. Many religious hypocrites have been exposed by this terrifying truth. Truth challenges us “as many as received Him, to them He gave the power to become children of God.” (John 1:12) If you have not received Jesus, why then would you pretend to be a child of God?
When discussing man’s foolishness in talking with assurance about future plans, James said “As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” (James 4:16-17 NIV)
To catch the impact of this little word ‘as” in the Bible, use a colored marker for the next few weeks and underline it. God’s “little words” are “big” in their impact. “But” is another powerful little word.

“Father, it is clear that when You speak there is a ring of authority,
regardless of the size of the word You use. Help us to listen closely. Amen”