God Cannot Deny Himself

"This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself."
(2 Timothy 2:11-13)

I think this is SO interesting. This passage is contained in a letter to Timothy, written by the Apostle Paul. Paul is teaching Timothy that as a soldier of the cross, suffering - trials - can be expected, but future glory can be greatly anticipated, also!

This particular "faithful saying" found in 2 Timothy is from a hymn sung by the early New Testament Church. That, in itself, thrills me. Knowing that Believers 2000 years ago sang these words to our Lord, just like we do today...WOW!! Can you see that picture? I love it!! We have a rich, RICH heritage!

Now, consider this...

Pay attention to how the words are juxtaposed:
We die - we shall live.
We endure - we shall reign.
We deny Him - He will deny us.

But, look at the last statement. Suddenly the rhythm changes, the core message shifts. "If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself." (verse13)

There is no give and take here. God will remain faithful, no matter what. He MUST remain faithful because His Word - the Word that represents Him in totality, the Word that IS Him - His WORD proclaims His faithfulness.

Numbers 23:19 reads, 'God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?"

Our God cannot lie.
Our God is faithful.
Our God will never leave us nor forsake us.

On this you can depend.

Father God, I could never thank You enough for Your faithfulness. I learned a long time ago that I could depend on You to keep Your Word. I appreciate it so very much. I ask You to show Yourself strong in the lives and hearts of my friends who hunger and thirst after You. Open their eyes that they might see and their ears that they might hear Your whispers of love and peace. We praise You, Lord.