“but God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘the Lord knows those who are his,’ and ‘let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.’” [2 timothy 2:19]
coming from a construction background, i’ve spent many hours working on foundations. be it laying new ones or fixing broken foundations, i’ve seen firsthand the importance of a good foundation. its amazing how much damage the smallest crack or shift in a foundation can cause throughout the rest of the building. a small 1” shift in the foundation can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage in the rest of the building. a firm foundation, that’s not going to shift or move is the most essential piece of any structure!
likewise, our hearts long for a firm foundation, for something solid and unchanging. in a world that’s constantly shifting and changing, we long for rest. while the things of this world call out to us and promise us rest and stability, true rest and real stability is found only in the hope of the gospel.
paul knows this and that’s why he reminds us of the firm foundation that we have in Christ. as we’ve been reminded of the power of our words and the importance of our words. and have seen the damage that others words have caused and the effects they’ve had on those around them, we’re reminded here of the solid, unchanging character of our God.
what comfort and hope we find in these two truths,
“the Lord knows those who are his,” …
meditate on that: the Lord, the God of the universe, the King of kings… knows… you. he knows you. your creator, knows your deepest hurt, your ugliest sin, every hair on your head, and he loves you still.
“before i formed you in the womb i knew you, and before you were born i consecrated you;” [jeremiah 1:5]
“even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” [luke 12:7]
“for you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” [psalm 139:13]
“…let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
this is the beautiful outpouring of the gospel, that because of the truth of the gospel, because we are fully known and fully loved, we live differently. because of our love for our savior, not to earn it or make it better, but because we have been loved, we turn away from the things that grieve our heavenly father.
“turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” [psalm 34:14]
“but be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” [james 1:22]
“therefore be imitators of God as beloved children. and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” [ephesians 5:1-2]
~ josiah bridges