The Truth Will Set You Free…

This was not a pleasant task – for the guys or the child

Isaiah 30:1-33

Reference: v.10 They say to the seers,
“See no more visions!”
and to the prophets,
“Give us no more visions of what is right!
Tell us pleasant things,
prophesy illusions. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: “The truth will set you free… but first it will make you miserable.”

When I was visiting the Philippines, our team helped out at a Dental and Medical Outreach Clinic. An organization would call in medical professionals to a very poor village to provide free check ups for the local people.

Our team was not medically trained, however, we were able to help out with some practical tasks to assist the professionals. One task two of our guys were given was to pick the scabs off a young child’s legs.

While this was not a pleasant task – for the guys or the child – it was thought there was possibly infection underneath and the sores needed to be cleaned properly.  As the wounds were opened, the poor child became very uncomfortable and had to be held as the procedure continued.

The treatment was unpleasant, but it was necessary, for in the long run the wounds could be cleaned and covered to protect from further infection.

Application: Truth can often feel the same as picking off these scabs. It can reveal things within us that we prefer to have covered up.

However, when we cover up the truth it can eat away at our relationships and us and creates an unhealthy environment. It is important that we are willing to endure the short term pain for the long term gain.

When God’s people had turned away from Him they didn’t want to hear the words of the prophets. They knew that they had done wrong in the eyes of the Lord, but being reminded of this only made them feel guilty.

They felt it was better off not knowing and just continuing in their sin. We can often be like that too.  A line from a Missy Higgins song rings in my head:

“I was comfortable and warm inside my shell
And couldn’t see this place would soon become my hell.”

While hiding from the truth may make us feel better in the short term, we know that Jesus spoke wisdom when He said, “The truth will set you free.”

Prayer: Lord, may I not shy away from the truth, but be willing to embrace it. May it refine my life to be a greater servant for You. Amen.

What truth do you need to face?

future, guilt, Isaiah, pain, prophet, truth, wisdom