Today's Word -- Good

 

LUKE 18:19

“Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone."

The word 'good' has different descriptive meanings in the Bible. In this verse Jesus questions how the rich young ruler referred to Him. With his question (vs 18), the young man recognized Jesus' authority (by calling Him Good Teacher) but failed to recognize Him as Lord. 

Jesus' response is classic. Since only God is good, how did the rich young man know that Jesus is good? I don't think he consciously knew. The question is asked for all generations to know the answer: Only God is Good. We know that God is our heavenly  Father, God is The Son, and God is The Holy Spirit. Only God is Good. 

This word 'good' used here means inherently, intrinsically good. According to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, this word 'good' means "describes what originates from God and is empowered by Him in their/our/my life, through faith. And not just any faith either. Faith that is given by God to the born again believer when they/we believe. Empowered faith originates in God. We know this because: Only God is Good. 

JEHOVAH-TOV

JEHOVAH-TOV

THE LORD IS GOOD

Psalm 145:9 & Nahum 1:7

The LORD Is Good to all: 

And His tender mercies are over all His works.

The LORD Is Good, a strong hold in the day of trouble;

And He knows them that trust Him.

Which brings us to 2 Timothy 2:19 - Nevertheless (Paul refuting false doctrine in the church), God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The LORD knows them that are His" and "Everyone who calls on the name of The LORD must turn away from iniquity". 

We simply cannot, nor must we continue to indulge in, iniquitous actions once we have called on The LORD's name for our salvation. Yes, God Is Good to all, even more so to all who call on His name to save them and trust in Him for their salvation. 

If you have not made a decision to give your heart and life to Christ, today is that day.