"There Is No..."

Larry R. Ping II

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     When the Bible employs the phrase “There is no,” that is exactly what it means. Consider the following examples.

    

     1. There Is No Interpreter. This was the plea of the imprisoned butler and baker in Gen. 40:8. They had dreams they could not understand, but Joseph was able to as “interpretations belong to God.” Later, Joseph was able to do the same for Pharaoh (Gen. 41:16). May we recall, God must always be given glory for good which is done (Matt. 5:16).

    

     2. There Is No Bread. This was the complaint of God’s wandering people in Num. 21:5. They often took to murmuring to express their dissatisfaction with Moses in the wilderness. This particular incident brought forth fiery serpents “among the people” and many “people of Israel died” (Num. 21:6). Remember, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings” (Php. 2:14).

    

     3. There Is No Truth In Him. This is Jesus’ description of the Devil (Jn. 8:44). The Lord also said the devil was a “liar.” May we understand this about our foe.

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     4. There Is No God Like Thee. These are the words of the wise man, Solomon (I Kings 8:23). Solomon’s father David expressed the same sentiment (Psa. 86:8, Psa. 113:5). Truly, these words are genuine. God is all-knowing (Heb. 4:12-13). God is in all places at all times (Psa. 139:7-12). God is all-powerful (Rev. 19:15). May we humbly ask the same as Peter, “Lord, to whom shall we go” (Jn. 6:68), understanding there is none greater than He.

    

     5. There Is No Man That Sinneth Not. Again, the wisdom-filled Solomon authored these words (I Kings 8:46). The apostle wrote similarly “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). We must meekly admit sin in our life, never reaching the prideful point of thinking we do not sin (I Jn. 1:10, I Cor. 1:10).

    

     6. There Is No Man That Doeth Any Thing In Secret. John chronicled these words in Jn. 7:4. Many have tried to do things in secret. Jonah did (Jonah 1:3). Ananias and Sapphira did (Acts 5:1-11). Both failed, not recalling the Lord sees all (Prov. 15:3).

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     7. There Is No Respect Of Persons With God. Paul confirmed this in Rom. 2:11. Other Bible authors have taught the same (Deut. 10:17, Acts 10:34). The weight of this statement carries with it the idea any individual who wants to go to Heaven can. It matters not from where one hails, or how one might look, he can be saved if he so wishes. This is why the Revelator wrote “And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17).

    

     8. There Is No Work, Nor Device Whither Thou Goest. The preacher of old taught this important and grave lesson in Eccl. 9:10. As this is true, the author orders “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might...” Life on earth is to be lived enthusiastically, eagerly and zealously (II Cor. 7:11). This includes our attitude when it comes to worshipping (Jn. 4:24, I Cor. 14:15). However, we must live this life understanding it is, at best, brief (James 4:13-17). The Hebrew writer warned “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). May we live well knowing this.