Today’s Passages in 1 Link:  Deuteronomy 13-14, Ecclesiastes 1:1-11, Luke 17

Today’s passages got me thinking about who and/or what informs you and I and it brought to mind the famous line of the TV series, the X-files…”The Truth is Out There”.

In a world of 24/7 news reporting…with news flashes coming to our computers and cell phones, it is nearly impossible to not have someone or something trying to inform you.  Many are capable of speaking or writing persuasively and directing you and I to their perspective including the wrong direction.  How, as in the words of Deuteronomy, do you know the difference between those telling you the truth or the words of a false prophet?

The Israelites were warned about the influence of false prophets and those trying to get them to worship other gods.  Why?  Because the temptation to stray from what we know as the truth from God can sneak up on us.  Whispers of doubt or the one with the loudest voice – we can find ourselves easily distracted.

This line of thought leads me into the passage from Ecclesiastes – a very interesting book whose main perspective is found in verse 2 of todays reading which basically says that all human accomplishments and possessions are ultimately meaningless – only the pursuit of God’s truths bring real satisfaction in life.  Again, discerning real truth is a difficult thing for us but knowing who and what informs us is critical in life.

I think the stories of faith and the lepers help to reinforce this…knowing the truth is important – all the lepers were healed.  One, however, saw…noticed….let it sink in….then responded.  This leper not only saw what happened, but he recognized the source of the sight – the reign and power of Jesus.  Because he saw what happened, the leper is thankful – he worships and praises God with a loud voice causing him to change direction – turning away from his original plan of seeking the priest and instead, returning to seek Jesus – the source of truth for him.

Pay attention to what informs you – the news?  Radio?  TV?  Friends?  Family?  Do you seek the truth of God to inform you?  Try it each and every day – make it the focus of your day and see if your perspective is enlightened!!