September 10, 2020 -- John 8:31-32 -- True Freedom
/So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31 English Standard Version
New Brunswick is currently in the throes of a provincial election. Yesterday I was listening to a debate and candidates were being asked various questions. I was startled to hear one candidate say, “people’s financial well-being is the most important factor for their life”. He went on to say people are able to feel good about themselves, support their family, grow the economy and so on. As a Christian I hear this as a gross lie. The fact is, Jesus teaches us that which gives us the greatest sense of well-being and freedom: it is abiding in His Word.
When Covid-19 strikes, whether we are rich or poor, we know He is in charge.
When the Black Lives Matter protesters loot stores, harm and kill people in their protests against police as they call for cities to be set on fire, we know our hope and greatest sense of well-being is anchored not in political movements, but in Jesus.
When our government at every level calls abortion an essential service and at tax payer expense puts to death our future, while on the other hand calling every life important imposing six months of lock downs so that Covid-19 curve is flattened, we know we are not dealing with a truthful government. This same government is mouthing platitudes on the importance of life while lining up citizens in our hospitals for lethal injections, putting to death many of our vulnerable citizens. Our government is speaking out of both sides of its mouth. It is incapable of speaking the truth.
The point Jesus made for His listeners then is as relevant today. Listening to people who are non-Christians and trying to fold your life into pretzel-like contortions to fit their crazy schemes and ever shifting ideas is exhausting, God-denying and destructive to true, life-affirming community.
The Bible, the Word of God, is God’s great gift so that we can know God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Bible reveals humanity at our best and at our worst and shows us our very best is still dirty rags (Isaiah 64:6). Unless we are washed in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ and empowered by the Spirit Who is sent to us by God our Father, we are slaves to all the basest philosophies and twisted ideas.
Read the bible—it is the gift of the Father to reveal the work and Person of Jesus Christ and it is laid open to us by the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit.
Abide in the word of God—think about it. Compare what you hear in the Bible to all political strategies, self-help books, philosophies, and so on. You will find the Word of God is excellence and truth. Imagine living in country like Pakistan, China or Saudi Arabia and declaring your views against the government and speaking in favour of whatever religion you hold. (Think of the Uyghur people of China. Think of Christians imprisoned in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia whose only crime is converting to Christianity!) In Canada the precious Name of God is violated by our government, while people of other religions and ardent atheists are given freedoms even while seeking to forbid Jesus’s Name to be honoured in public services. Already 15 years ago, when I was involved in a local, small town event Native Canadians were drumming and invoking the deity they claim, an atheist proclaimed her views, while I, as a minister of the Word invited to participate in that same event was asked not to use the Bible or Jesus’s Name. Other faiths are not denied their sacred scriptures and holy names. In the name of godless, secular science, men and women invoke Darwin as their god and do not understand how they doing violence to the Word of God and inestimable value of life. Think how the Word of God has given us the freest society on the planet—and those freedoms are eroding when we no longer abide in His Word.
Abide in the Word of God—while you are jogging, doing dishes, or tidying up, listen to the Word being read. For example a site like https://www.biblegateway.com/ is free and has many versions of the Bible available for listening. Listening to extended portions of Scripture gives you context, background, helps you see how each part is connected to whole.
Abide in the Word of God and know that by it the Spirit will reveal what is unholy and untrue in your life. Then the Spirit will lead you in repentance while directing you deeper into the knowledge and joy of being a follower of Jesus.
Jesus, in You we find our only source of well-being. Thank You for the gift of Your Word—which leads us in all Truth and freedom. By Your Word and Spirit direct us so that we grow in the gladness of being Your obedient disciples, to the honour and praise of our Father in heaven. Amen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6LC8cu03Ig
