Okay, Tim has the Book – the Book! So, what’s he going to do with it? I know that sounds like a strange question. Some might be thinking; it’s a book, he’s either going to read it or not. Exactly my point! It’s one thing to have the King’s Word and another to navigate life by it. But wasn’t that the topic of the last blog? Been there done that???

I think I need to backtrack further, but just a page or two, to the beginning of chapter 9 of The Bridge from OneDayBow. Tim is in the Kingdom – Hooray! –  but already anxious to spread the good news in HereAndNow. The Book isn’t a road atlas to get him there. This really isn’t about Tim moving from point A to point B. The Book is the means of rightly knowing the King, understanding his plan and purpose, and bringing thoughts and actions in alignment with the reality of it, so people can walk out His will. In short, it is the definitive, right, and reliable Word of the King – which ultimately applies to every area of life! So, what’s Tim going to do with it? (I know, I already asked that question, but do you know the answer???)  Maybe Tim is as confused as you may be right now, so let’s look at what the King says to Tim after He gives him His Book:

The King handed Tim a belt, and said, “You need to wear

This Truth belt tightly on you. Tim, always keep it there.

You need this firm reminder: by My Truth take your stand.

This piece is invaluable on the path that is planned.”

You can’t separate the Truth from the Word. Tim will need to read the Word to have it benefit him, but it also requires a response. Tim is being called to take a stand for Truth.

“Truth is always the best choice, whatever life may bring.

When you choose to live that way, you’re honoring the King.”

Tim puts on the belt – provided by the King – and in so doing makes a statement that his life will be characterized by the Truth of the King’s Book: to be directed by it on the inside (inner transformation) and wear it on the outside for all to see (outward declaration). It’s not a magic belt, so please don’t trip up on that; but in the days to come (and the pages that follow) the power of Truth is going to be seen… and also the lack of power that results from not always navigating according to Truth.

For believers in Jesus Christ, the application of this is absurdly obvious! But what is even more absurd is a person who claims to be a Christian – a follower of Jesus Christ – who has received the belt of Truth but only puts it on for special occasions – like Church on Sunday… occasionally. The belt of Truth is not an optional accessory, it is a vital piece of armor to protect and equip Christ’s followers in this upside-down-world’s battles. If you try to live like a believer apart from Truth… you can’t. Does that mean you have to be perfect? No, but it does mean you continually choose to know the Truth and live according to it.

In the New Testament book of John, chapter 17:17-19; John records the words that Jesus spoke just hours before His crucifixion. Please note, if you are a born-again believer in Jesus, this prayer He prayed to the Father in Heaven is for you:

“Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your Word, which is truth. Just as You sent Me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by Your truth.”

Please read that again and let it sink in. Jesus gave His life so we can be made holy by God’s Truth. Holy is not a word (as some think) that is reserved for dead saints. Holy defines who we are in Jesus: Sent into the world as set apart for God’s purpose. Do you think we can do that apart from Truth? Read it again. Are you set apart for God’s purpose? If you know it, then show it!