Introductory Thoughts
Unfortunately, far too many people today seek to hide the truth behind their lies. This condition is nothing new. In fact, the rulers of Jerusalem claimed to “have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves” (Isaiah 28:15). The Lord quickly answered their false assumption. He informed them that their lies would not stand when the Lord passed through their midst with judgment (Isaiah 28:16-19). In verse 20, God offered an illustration of the manner in which their lies would fail to protect them. He said, “the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it” (Isaiah 28:20). In other words, no matter how big, well thought out, or cunning a man’s lies may be, they will never be enough. Hiding behind lies is useless and fruitless. Lies can neither support a man nor hide him when the trouble arrives.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): You break a vase in the house. You tell mom you didn't do it (lie #1). You say the dog did it, but he was outside (lie #2). Then you say your little brother did it, but he was taking a nap (lie #3). You may get in trouble for breaking the vase, but you will suffer more trouble for breaking the vase and lying about how it happened. God wants us to tell the truth all of the time.
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(For everyone): When you tell a lie, you do so in order to hide the truth. How long do you think the lies will hide the truth? Will there be a time in the future when all your lies will be exposed? What should you do about your lies?
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Sometimes the truth gets us in trouble, but lies will always get us in trouble. Why would it be easier to tell the truth in the beginning? Which one usually yields more trouble?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you see the trouble that will come by lying.
- Ask the Lord to show you that you cannot hide behind lies.
Song
The Solid Rock
