By RaeLynn DeAngelis
Try to imagine that you have just stepped into a courtroom. As you glance around the large open space, you are suddenly struck by the grandeur of the room. Beautiful hand-carved wood adorns the walls and ceiling. Although the temperature of the room is cool, the rich dark tones in the woodwork have a warming effect on your senses. You can’t help but think, if walls could talk, what grand stories these would tell.
The musty smell of aged wood triggers an unexpected flow of memories. Your mind drifts back to childhood days spent playing hide and seek at grandma’s house. It’s funny how the sense of smell can generate such vivid images. Your thoughts linger there for a brief moment, recounting those simpler days in your mind, but the echo of your own footsteps shakes you back into reality.
Where is everyone, you wonder? A quick look at your watch provides the answer. You have arrived thirty minutes early. Oh well, this will provide a few extra minutes to get ready. You quickly find a seat to gather your thoughts and mentally prepare for the difficult task ahead.
Moments later, you are startled when two ornate doors at the back of the room open, allowing a stream of people to enter. The reality of the moment hits your senses and a wave of nausea pierces your gut. The sudden noise and commotion add to your feelings of uneasiness.
You are intrigued, however, at how quickly the once quiet room comes to life. The prosecution, defense, and spectators enter, bringing with them an atmosphere of excitement and quiet apprehension. Moments later, jurors file in with somber faces, adding a more solemn mood to the room. As everyone prepares for the proceedings, the noise level intensifies.
The drone of idle chatter is quickly hushed when a loud, imposing voice bellows, “All rise.”
Watching now with great interest, you notice a stately-looking gentleman has entered the courtroom. As he makes his way to the front of the room, there is no mistaking his commanding presence. He is without a doubt the honorable judge.
He promptly assumes his rightful seat behind the raised mahogany desk located at the front of the room, and with a nod of his head, permission is granted for everyone to sit down.
During the preliminary proceedings, charges are brought forth, the prosecution and defense offer their opening statements, and careful instructions are given to the jurors. Time seems to drag on endlessly, and although you listen closely to everything that is said, your anticipation increases with each passing minute.
Finally, the moment you have been expecting arrives as your name is summoned to the witness stand. It is not a surprise that you have been called as a witness for the defense. It is indeed the reason you are there. Yet, somehow you don’t feel quiteready. Realizing there is no turning back, you make your way to the front of the room.
Before you sit down, the bailiff walks over and instructs you to place one hand on the Bible while raising your right hand. The courtroom is silent as the bailiff poses this important question. “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”
With a confident voice, you reply, “I do.”
I invite you to think about the question that is being asked when a witness is sworn to testify in court. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God? Consider for a moment: What—or, more precisely, where—is truth? I believe the answer to this question is under the witness’s left hand.
Have you ever wondered why a witness places one hand on the Bible while being sworn to testify in a court of law?
The practice of using a Bible when taking an oath actually began in England hundreds of years ago, but why? The answer is obvious to Christians. The Bible is truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
The Bible is a handbook for life. It’s a complete set of instructions and guidelines for us to follow in our everyday lives. As a matter of fact, the Bible is the only means through which we can trulydiscern truth from lies, right from wrong, and good from evil.
If we want to live in freedom from Satan’s lies and effectively witness our faith in this fallen world, we must first know the truth. Then, through careful study of God’s Word, we need to grow in God’s truth. And finally, we are called to sow that truth by sharing our knowledge with others.
As witnesses for the defense, proclaiming the truth in God’s Word, you and I will eventually be asked this important question: “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?”
My answer will be… “Nothing but your truth will help me, God!”
“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
“And if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:3-6).
“My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight; keep them within your heart” (Proverbs 4:20-21).
(An expert taken from: Nothing But Your Truth Will Help Me, God! by RaeLynn DeAngelis
Looking for a way to connect with God daily? Check out our daily devotional books: Living in Truth Day by Day *** Living in Truth Mind, Body, Spirit *** Living in Truth: A Christmas Devotional.
Call to Action:
- Share this post with someone who needs encouragement.
- Leave a comment.
- Subscribe for more faith-based, biblical encouragement.