January 23, 2020 – John 8:31-33, 36

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed 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.” They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:31-33, 36.

 We delight in freedom.  One group of sixth graders wrote about what freedom was to them. Longer recess,  better lunches, and no homework. No rules. They had not learned how having these desires would bring being enslaved.  Earlier in this chapter, Jesus tells us about truth and freedom. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 8:6.  Do we want to learn the way to truth and life, Then we follow the Giver of Truth, a way to live in true freedom which is freedom from sin. Sin is a curtain that separates us from God. 

When we hear the words of God and live as God instructs us, we are are able to hear.  Willfully turning away from knowing God is when we prove we not abiding in God or obeying and following God.

Not only  is hearing God’s Word a Joy and the way to Freedom, there is more in this Psalm. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8. 

For You are great and do wondrous things; You alone are God.  Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth. Psalm 86:10-11a.

“Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” John 8:47.