Living By The Truth
I made it out to our patio for about an hour or so today. It was nice to be outside even if it was a little overcast and windy. Probably better than overly hot (those days are coming). I find that getting outside is easier than getting back in. It was good for Debbie to be on guard as I stepped down and then I needed her active assistance to get back into the house. That took more effort than anticipated.
We did get some our rose bushes trimmed. It looks like the strawberries are taking over the garden; which of course is better than weeds.
We did have an opportunity to go out to eat and then Debbie needed to run to her office, which gave me an opportunity for a quick nap in the car.
Shortly after we returned home we were pleased to have John and Annabelle Pratt stop by with their children Hannah and David. The Pratts became good friends with Debbie’s mom when they first moved to Fort Collins in the late 1990’s. We saw them last at the funeral for Debbie’s mom three years ago. They had moved out of the state and recently returned to Colorado in February when Annabelle secured a job at National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) in Golden. So they live in south Jefferson County not far from where were lived in Lakewood before moving to Fort Collins.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31,32
I have been reading through the Gospel of John. Jesus’ teaching, words and response to the Jewish people but especially the Pharisees caused them much confusion. I have to admit, sometime I feel confused as well.
Jesus says, “You can’t go where I’m going.” The Jews respond with “what does he mean? what does he mean? Will hid out with the Jews scattered among the Greeks?” (John 7:34,35) Later Jesus makes the same statement, and the Pharisees respond, “is he going to commit suicide, is that what He means?” (John 8:22)
Jesus later says, “You don’t understand because you don’t belong to God.” The Jews respond, “Are we right to say you are a Samaritan and that you’re demon possessed?“ (John 8:47,48)
The Pharisees didn’t get it, because they didn’t want to “get it.” They were stuck in their traditions and preconceived ideas of how God would work and the signs of the Messiah. Jesus always invites inquiries from those seeking spiritual truth, but to know the truth that reveals Christ in His fullness and brings freedom requires, following after Jesus.
It is called discipleship. Being with Him, learning from Him. There are no Cliffs Notes or short cuts or “Discipleship for Dummies or “Discipleship Made Easy.” It is following after, taking time with and entering into a relationship.
The Bible phrase, “the truth shall set you free” can be used in all types of contexts. I think it is on the masthead of a newspaper if I recall correctly. Sometimes we say, “the truth will set you free, but first if will make you uncomfortable.” Then the question can arise, “what is truth” and “free from what?”
The truth is found in Jesus. He boldly declared, “I am the truth…” (John 14:6) Jesus told the people, “if you hold to my teachings, you will know the truth…” Hearing, embracing, incorporating Jesus teaching into our lives enables us to live by the truth. We know truth by holding onto Jesus teaching.
Being “set free” can be viewed as freedom from sin, ourselves, our confusion. However, when we look at the context of the surrounding verses and chapters, I believe it means simply set free to recognize and embrace the truth. The snares and spiritual blindness of our lives can so much of our own making, our own ideas and experiences. (see John 9:40,41)
Yet, when we follow Jesus. Consistently follow Jesus, we come to know the truth and in His truth is freedom, even for those who don’t recognize that they are bound.