Many of us understand that the serpent came to Eve in the Garden and tempted her to question God’s Word (Genesis 3:1). However, that was only half of his line of attack. In addition to casting doubt on God’s Word, the serpent called into question God’s character. In essence, he said, “If you do what God forbids you to do—eating the forbidden fruit—you’ll become equal to God. Why do you think He has forbidden you to do it? Because He doesn’t want what’s best for you. He wants to keep the best for Himself.”

            The devil’s tactics haven’t changed. He still attacks us at the points of trying to get us to question God’s Word and His character. As Christians, most of us are on guard against the questioning of God’s Word, but we are often less vigilant about not questioning His character.

            Ever say, “Where was God when such a tragedy took place? Why didn’t He intervene?” Or, “God says He loves me, so why is my life falling apart? He sure has a strange way of showing love.” How about, “I’ve prayed, I’ve pleaded, and I’ve fasted. Why hasn’t God answered?” Finally, haven’t we all said/thought at some time, “Life just isn’t fair”?

            I'll address the last comment first: Absolutely, life is NOT fair! The second half of that equation declares, But God is GOOD—ALL the time! Those aren’t just empty words, folks. God really is good—all the time, regardless of circumstances. Life isn’t fair. It brings disappointments, trials, and tragedies, whether we’re walking with God or not. And sometimes it just plain stinks. But none of those situations changes God’s character one iota! He is good because He’s God, period. Goodness simply does not exist apart from Him, and it cannot be separated from Him. When we get that great truth settled in our mind, the other questions will be settled as well:

            In all the years I’ve walked with God (nearly forty now), I’ve never known Him to be weak, dishonest, unfaithful, late, or wrong. His character has proven to be true, even as has His Word. Beloved, if we want to walk in victory in this life, we must first settle in our hearts that God’s Word AND His character are true and good and changeless. Only then, when the winds of adversity blow (and they will!), can we stand strong and proclaim the Name above all names, the One who walks with us through the fire, and carries us when we have no strength to stand.

God is good—ALL the time! May that be our proclamation today and always!

 

            One of my very first jobs was as a bank teller, where I learned to spot the counterfeit by studying the genuine. That lesson has proven invaluable to me as a believer.

            Satan never tires of trying to deceive the human need for relationship with God by offering us cheap counterfeits, whether through false religions, chemical addictions, unhealthy relationships, or success and power. The only way to recognize and avoid such entrapments is by having intimate knowledge and relationship with the genuine.

            I was reminded of this fact a few days ago when talking with a young woman who considers herself religious and may even call herself a Christian but who reflects no real relationship with Christ in her life. We were discussing some recent events that had complicated her existence and caused her a lot of heartache. In an obvious effort to put on a positive front, she declared, “But it’s all good.”

            Ever hear that comment? It’s quite popular these days, and I believe it is an attempt to hijack one of the most commonly used verses in the Bible while discounting the Author of that verse. Romans 8:28 declares, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” God’s Word tells us that ALL things work together for good, but only “to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Furthermore, Jesus said in Matthew 19:17 that no one is good except God. Only God in us is good; apart from His presence, we have no goodness. Therefore, “it’s all good” is a meaningless and untrue statement. Yet it sounds encouraging, doesn’t it? It’s the world’s way of saying, “I’m going through tough times, but I’ll be fine; it’ll all work out for the good.”

            Really? I don’t think so. Unless the things we’re going through are part of God’s plan for our lives because we love Him and are called for His purpose, “it’s all good” are just empty words. They mean nothing and will produce nothing. Faith in words is foolishness. Faith in God’s Word carries us through to victory.

            The next time you’re tempted to fall into the trap of the counterfeit, stop a moment and reflect on the genuine. Modern-day jargon and popular phrases mean nothing, but God’s Word stands ready to hold you firm until the end.

 

            The “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29) is also the Lion of Judah, who “has prevailed.” In this time of uncertainty and turmoil, it is vital that we cling to that great truth, for in it we will find amazing strength and courage.

            We all like the picture of “gentle Jesus, meek and mild,” who died for us and, therefore, forgives and welcomes us. And though that is an important image for us to keep at the forefront of our thoughts, we also need to meditate on the majesty and power of the Lion of Judah, for it is He who will return to judge those who have rejected the Lamb of God.

            In our rush to offer to others the unconditional love and forgiveness of the Lamb of God, is it possible that we fail to teach them of the call and commitment to discipleship that is inherent in following the Lion of Judah? Do we neglect to warn them of the classic words of C.S. Lewis in The Chronicles of Narnia that the Lion is good…but He is not safe?

            The goodness of the Lamb of God is certainly also present in the Lion of Judah, but if we choose to receive the love and forgiveness of the Lamb, we also choose to follow the commands of the Lion. And that can be a bit frightening.

            Why? Because, as Lewis said, the Lion is good…but He is not safe. The Lion of Judah inevitably calls us to follow where the path is treacherous and the deeds impossible to perform. He calls us to fly—and then gives us no wings until we have leapt over the cliff. It is for that very reason that many of us who call ourselves believers never take that leap, but instead choose to remain on the sidelines, watching others fly and consoling ourselves with the thought that at least we are safe.

            But are we? Is it possible that we are truly safe only when we obey the Lion of Judah and jump off the edge, trusting that He will either catch us before we hit bottom or teach us to fly as we hurl through space? I believe that’s the case. I also believe that the reason we refuse to take that leap is that we don’t really believe that the Lion of Judah is good, for if we did, we would cast safety to the wind and leap with all our strength into whatever He has called us to do, trusting His complete goodness to do what is best for us.

            Ah Lord, give us that understanding and appreciation of Your goodness that we might choose to follow after You, leaving “safety” to those who know neither the Lamb nor the Lion—but who just might want to after seeing us leap over the cliff into Your waiting arms!