Truth God Will Not Bend

These readings teach that God is not turned aside by sacrifice, public religion, or flattering words. Balaam could not make blessing into curse, because the Lord’s word does not bend to a man’s payment or desire. Tertullian says of him, “This is he who had previously declared to the king’s messengers, and then to the king himself, that he could only speak forth that which God should put into his mouth.” If even a compromised prophet could not master God’s speech, how much less can a sinful people cover disobedience with ceremonies.

Psalm 78 shows the root of the matter: the fathers heard God’s mighty works, yet forgot, tested Him, lusted, murmured, and turned back. As Clement says, “they kept not the covenant of God, and would not walk in His law.” Jeremiah then shows the bitter fruit. Drought falls, false prophets speak peace, and the people still cling to lies. They have words of worship, but not the obedience that belongs to worship. Therefore even fasting becomes hateful when hands remain unclean and the covenant is despised.

So let us not think that right sayings, ancient stories, or outward acts are enough. The church receives and repeats the mighty acts of God not to entertain memory but to train obedience. We recount His works so that children learn fear, thanksgiving, and steadfastness. We fast so that we may repent. We pray so that we may turn. We hear so that we may do. God is truthful and cannot be bribed; therefore let our mouth, our household, and our conduct come under the same truth.