Two Stories

by Keith Gardner

Every believer must be mindful of the two stories. There is the real story and the story of lies. Jesus, in an incredible and most powerful dialogue with Pontius Pilate reaches out to us through endless time to prepare us to recognize the real and the false. In John 18:37 we read ‘"You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."’ This one simple verse not only sums up the entire gospel but it also exemplifies itself. Please let me explain.

 In Genesis 3:5 the earth is written into the first chapter of the never ending story of lies. Satan confronting Eve in the garden says; "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God….”  The truth is; THERE IS A GOD! The lie is that we can, from some effort of our own, be like Him. Satan in his twisted and demented mind wants to replace God. The best he can offer any of us is a counterfeit of the real thing.

Jesus’ dialogue with Pilate exemplifies this. Pilate strutting around in his pomp believes he has authority; he is talking to the Son of God, the author of authority. Pilate believing he has intelligence when in fact he is conversing with the creator of all things. Pilate believes himself to be a ruler; he is indeed talking to the King of Kings. When Jesus says to him; “everyone on the side of truth listens to me’” Pilate replies; "What is truth?" then turns and leaves never bothering to listen.

For every truth in the Kingdom of God’s creation the enemy has created a counterfeit, a lie. As believers we must be mindful of the false. In Romans 12:2 we are taught; “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” We will never be able to discern the real from the false in a side by side comparison. Our only hope is to learn the Truth by listening to Jesus; the falsehoods will become obvious.