Craftily Using Truth

 ". . .This is not the way, neither is this the city, follow me. . ." (2 Kings 6:19b)

“Little white lies” are not small or white and do not get a pass. But, in times of war, we learn from Old Testament characters that they sometimes used truth differently. It seemed as such in the confrontation of Elisha with the Syrian army. They intended to find God’s prophet in Dothan and take him to the king. But when the massive army of chariots and horses surrounded the city, Elisha prayed and asked God to “smite them with blindness” (v. 18). And God did, but not with physical blindness. Instead, He altered their eyesight and minds; they were unaware of where they were and to whom they spoke. Standing outside the city, Elisha told the Syrians they wouldn’t find the prophet in Dothan and offered to guide them where they would see the one, they pursued. They accepted his service, and God opened their eyes in Samaria, vulnerable in their enemy’s camp. But God didn’t plan their destruction. Instead, sparing their lives, He wanted them to acknowledge His mighty power, and they did.

Craftily using truth is acceptable in warfare times, but not to escape embarrassing moments, grant you advantages, or keep well-kept secrets. Abram told Pharaoh, wanting Sarai for his harem, that she was his sister (to spare his life). She was his half-sister, but also his wife, and didn’t get a pass on that half-truth. When God revealed the truth, Pharaoh rebuked the lying husband (Genesis 12:19). Imagine a pagan king slapping your hand for dishonoring your God!

The strategy of Satan, the god of this world, is to blind the unsuspecting to God’s truth, sometimes causing unawareness of where they are and with whom they are in company. He is the father of lies and speaks deceptively and convincingly, saying, “Follow me.” His lies help no one but himself; some walk after him in confusion, bondage, and others to their destruction. But God sent His Son to open our eyes to His truth. As we rejoice in the birth of the Savior who came to save us, let’s honor God with our words, actions, and influences, speaking the truth of His love and salvation’s freedom from sin and the devil’s grip.