Scripture:
"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you
shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John
8:31-32
Reflection:
We often hear people say, "The truth shall make you free!"
That sentiment, however, is fully true only when understood in the
context that Jesus spoke it. Jesus said these words concerning those
who would be his disciples.
The all important key to being made free by the truth is to abide in
his word. To abide means to dwell or live there. Live where? In his
word. Those who only visit on certain occasions are not abiding. To
abide means you have taken up residence there; you stay there. It
mean you read it, apply it, and are obedient to it, not just now and
then, but constantly. When you do this, then you are called his
disciples. Jesus doesn't call us to simply be believers, he calls us
to be disciples. It is to his disciples, to those who have taken up
residence in his word that he says, "You will know the truth and
the truth will make you free." Be a disciple!
Prayer:
Lord, we seek to know your truth. We desire to live in your truth. We
want to be free, free to do not as we want, but free to do as we
ought. Set us free to love and serve you and our neighbors. May your
word abide in us and may we abide in your word. May we never be
content being merely believers. Draw us deeper, Lord. Give us a
hungering desire to truly be your disciples, disciples who closely
follow the Teacher, who abide in his very word, and are made free as
a result. Amen.
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