“For men verily swear by the greater—and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein, God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of Promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath—that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.”
Hebrews 6:16-18
When it comes to God and His Promises, as someone once said “You can take it to the bank.”
It’s all about trustworthiness. That’s the essence of today’s Manna, even though the King James’ translators used a word (“immutability”) that’s pretty foreign to us. None of us go down to the local restaurant and sit around the table talking about God’s “immutability.” And, if the truth be known, few of us even sit around talking about the wondrous truths contained in our Manna.
Yet, how much richer our lives would be if we did!
Now, we understand what it means “for men to swear by the greater.” We’ve all witnessed firsthand or seen on television how a witness in a courtroom will lay his/her hand upon the Bible and “swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me, God” before giving his/her testimony.
Likewise, we know “an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife,” even though we sum it up by saying “Please sign on the dotted line.” Simply put, our signature on a legal contract is our written “oath” (promise) that we will fulfill our obligation, whatever it may be. Or, as we used to say, “My word is my bond” and a “handshake sealed the deal.”
In God’s case, there was “no greater” to swear by, so “He swore by Himself.” And, “by two immutable things He sealed the deal.” The question is, “What are those two ‘immutable’ (Grk. ‘ametathetos’—‘unchangeable, not transferable, never changing sides, etc.’) things?”
Quite simply “God’s Person and Promises” (Heb. 11:6).
His Character and His Conduct. Who He is. The Great “I Am Who I Am” (Ex. 3:14).
No need to check His Character references. No need to examine His “track record.” No need to audit His spread sheet.
He is “faithful” in everything (I Cor. 10:13). And, because He is God, He “will not-yea, CANNOT—lie!” Therefore, we need never live anxious, fretful or fear-filled lives—not when our unchanging God. . .in Whom there isn’t even the slightest hint of Him vacillating or the thought of His becoming whimsical or capricious even exists (James 1:17). . .is the One in Whom we have placed our trust (Phil. 1:6). Hallelujah!!
Therefore, live your life today, Pilgrim, knowing “there’s nothing you’re going to face today that God can’t handle.” He doesn’t need our help; He’s sufficient in-and-of Himself. Just rest in Him as clay rests quietly and pliably upon the Potter’s Wheel (Jer. 18:1-6). Only then can you honestly sing “It Is Well With My Soul.” Oh how sweet it is! Glory!!
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated February 9, 2011
