John 8:31-36 (NRSV)
Read John 8:31-36 on biblegateway.com
Verse 31Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; Verse 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." Verse 33They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, 'You will be made free'?" Verse 34Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. Verse 35The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. Verse 36So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
Devotion
I have diplomas from St. Olaf College and Luther Northwestern Seminary (now Luther Seminary). I have a stole signifying my ordination as a pastor. I have a call to serve a congregation in Austin, Texas. I have several accounts at Bank of America and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Who am I? I am an educated, relatively affluent, Lutheran pastor in the United States of America. As a descendant of Abraham, I am doing quite well, thank you.
But really, who am I? What is the truth that actually sets me free? Is it the truth that I make mistakes regularly and that I struggle with priorities, meaning and vision in my life? Yes. Is it the truth that God’s Word and the Spirit of Jesus draw me into discipleship? Yes. Is it the truth that God has forgiven me and entrusted me with good gifts? Yes. Praise be to God for the truth that sets us free!
Prayer
Jesus, be the foundation of my identity. Grant me humility and courage to follow you. Amen.