When looking for a name for this beautiful golden pup, I asked the Lord to give us a name that would show others the character of Jesus. Since we know that Jesus is the “image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15), this name would also tell others who God is. There were many choices that first came to my mind…grace, hope, and faith. Little did I realize the importance and creativity that God would use when He gave us the name Truth!
I’ve learned a lot over the last couple of years about the importance of that simple truth. One basic reality is no one can accept God’s grace and forgiveness unless they believe He is telling the truth about Who He says He is. He is Truth! We have encountered so many people that will say they believe in God but they just can’t accept His plan for forgiveness or that He could forgive them. In reality they are saying they don’t believe He is telling the truth about His forgiveness or to be blunt, they believe God is lying. (“there is nothing false about him” John 7:18) Now before we get all prideful, how many times do we act in that same way when it comes to something God has promised in His Word? I know I’m guilty!
I think Jesus knew the struggle we would have with some of His teachings. Over and over in the book of John, Jesus begins His teaching with, “I tell you the truth.” He answers our question, “For real?” before we have time to think it! He tells us, “He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6) to again assure us He can be trusted. He tells us, “He who sent me is reliable” (John 8:26) to answer the question of who God is. He is reliable. Don’t you love reliable?
Yes, God knew what He was doing in giving us the name Truth. It’s such a basic yet foundational principle to use when sharing who God is. I can’t help but to smile each and every time I speak or hear the name Truth.