Wednesday, February 01, 2012

A Thought


“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

Speaking to a Jewish audience, Jesus is making clear to them that He does not act independently; He is of the Father.  It is a challenge for the Jews who are likely familiar with Scripture, so Jesus is appealing to them to think through what is already written rather than to simply read and/or hear the words.  When this engagement is undertaken, then, Jesus assures them they will soon be free of the bondage of sin and death; when they learn the difference between being a “slave of sin” and a son not of Abraham but of the Father (Jn 8:34-36).  They will learn what is ‘true’; and by embracing this truth, they (we!) will be set free from the shackles we often take for granted simply because we’ve gotten used to carrying them around!

Listen carefully to what is written.  Measure everything you hear by what is written.  Be extremely cautious of those who try to “improve” on or modify, or dismiss altogether what is already written.  Be especially careful of “reading between the lines”; that is, inserting something in Scripture that clearly does not belong.  These things are how we become enslaved to thoughts, ideas, and opinions that are indeed independent of the Father!

Blessings,
Michael

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