Scripture Verses that caught my attention today: John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
Observation: We tend to emphasize verse 32, but perhaps the bigger promise is in verse 31.
Application: It seems to me that what Jesus wants more than anything else is more loyal followers, more disciples. At times Jesus promises truth and even goes so far to say that he is the way, the truth, and the life. But what he really wants is people to follow him. Finding truth, life, and being set free are like icing on the cake. But the heart of discipleship is following Jesus which involves continuing in his word.
Truth be told, we tend to prefer our own word. We prefer to answer our own questions our own way. We’d rather not have anyone else tell us what to do. Perhaps this is why it is so hard to follow Jesus. Perhaps this is why there are so few authentic disciples and a whole lot of wanna-bes. In fact, it could be argued that all of us are wanna-bes at some level. Continuing in Christ’s word requires setting our own agendas aside.
Prayer: Lord, help me to invite you to set my agenda. That would at least be a good start. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: Habakkuk 1-3 and John 8)
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Hello Kent!
ReplyDeleteYour words "Continuing in Christ's words requires setting our own agenda's aside," truly spoke to me today. Again and again I thank you for sharing your faith & wisdom with others.