Today’s scripture: John 8:31-37 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Ben Lamb):
One thing that struck me about today’s passage is the fact that all five translations I generally consult (NRSV, Amplified, KJV, NIV, and NASB) have nearly identical translations — even in word order; much of the verbiage is exactly the same!
Jesus said, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (NRSV) I appreciate how the Amplified version uses uppercase for “Truth” as though Jesus is referring to himself while talking.
So what is it that we’re set free from? The people to whom Jesus was talking came to understand that he wasn’t referring to literal leg-irons-be-gone type of freedom.
Since each person’s relationship with God is individual, I believe that the enslavements from which each of us is set free are different for each of us.
Take some time to think about what has you metaphorically enslaved in life.
For myself, one burden I’m learning to get out from under is the mistaken belief that I have to be perfect in order to be worthy of love and acceptance, whether it’s from God or others. Yes, my brain says “Of course, I’m certainly worth love!”, but my heart says, “Not so fast, now. Let’s think this out a while…” all too often.
Certainly, there are many sins, errors, mistaken notions, imperfect acts — whatever you choose to call those actions and beliefs which keep us entangled from perfect peace in our lives — that we can become free from as we learn to become disciples of Jesus and follow his teachings and examples on a never-ending journey.
Thought for the day: Feel like you’ve lost your way on life’s journey? Not to fret, “for the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.