Today’s Scripture: John 8:12
28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. 29 And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.” 30 Then many who heard him say these things believed in him.
31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Today’s Devotional
I remember when the software program Photoshop first came out. Yes, I’m older than I let on! What was so amazing about this program was how it could take a picture and turn it into something completely different. We used to be able to trust photographs. Now we assume that there has been some sort of touch up or filter applied. Even our phone cameras give us filter options! In some cases, this enhances the photo. In other cases, the photos end up being completely “fake”.
The truth is having a hard time these days. It seems like everyone is having a hard time believing everyone else. I even saw where some people thought the President was faking his illness! Is there anything these days we can all agree on that is true?
As a result, it may be hard for us to believe the words of Jesus that the truth will set us free. What truth? Whose truth? Free from what?
We need to look one verse back: “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.” In other words, following Jesus’ teaching will lead us to know the truth and THIS is the truth that will set us free.
I think we make the Christian life too hard sometimes. Jesus is saying here that if we follow him as his disciples – if we act as he would act, love as he would love, welcome others as he would welcome, fight for the marginalized as he would fight – then we will know the truth. In other words, the truth is Jesus! And if we begin to act like him, we will be free.
You may see a lot of news today that will get you asking “is that really true?” My advice? Just keep on moving. And instead, ask yourself that old question “What would Jesus do?” Because that’s where the truth is.
Today’s Prayer
God help us to remain faithful to the teachings of Jesus. Help us to live fully as his disciples in this world. Remind us how he would act, how he would love, how he would serve and give us the ability to do the same. Point us to the truth that is Jesus.
Amen
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