7-27-21
Verily
(Reminder: I’m doing an A to Z devotional blog.)
The word verily appears 146 times in Scripture. Let’s look at all of them. Ha! I’m kidding. Let’s check out three of them.
“Jesus said unto them, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, before Abraham was, I am.’ ” (John 8:58 KJV)
Let’s look at that same verse from the Living Bible:
“The absolute truth is that I was in existence before Abraham was
ever born!” (John 8:58 LB)
Jesus uses verily to emphasize His point:
He’s saying, “This is absolute truth! Surely! Unequivocally.”
In the above Scripture, He reveals His identification as not only the Son of God, but as part of the Trinity—God Himself.” In doing this, He also establishes His authority. Yet He makes it clear He didn’t come to planet Earth on a whim, nor is He speaking or acting flippantly:
“ ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.’ ” (John 5:19 KJV)
Let’s put that in today’s language:
“Jesus replied, ‘The Son can do nothing by himself. He does onlywhat he sees the Father doing, and in the same way.’ ” (John 5:19 LB)
Jesus wasn’t moving on His own; He was completely aligned with His Father. He was the Father’s voice, the Father’s actions, the Father’s healings, the Father in the flesh.
The Trinity is difficult for our finite minds to grasp, but we’ll understand it completely when we’re in heaven!
Let’s get back to verily and look at one more time Jesus used it:
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”” (John 3:3 KJV)
Jesus wants us to know there’s only one way to heaven. Notice, He doesn’t mention church membership, good works or money. He’s emphatic that we must be born again. Let’s look at this same Scripture in today’s language:
“Jesus replied, “With all the earnestness I possess I tell you this: Unless you are born again, you can never get into the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:3 LB)
This refutes many people’s “god” of the universe and the “many paths to heaven” belief. With all earnestness, Jesus has stated ultimate Truth.
Verily.
Surely.
Unequivocally.
Hmmm.
Maybe we should try to bring verily back into preaching. . . .
______ _________ _______
Thoughts?
I’m speaking this week at the Virginia District camp-meeting and next week at the NM District camp-meeting. Please join me in praying for God to have
His way in every service.
Love,
Susie
