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
In Christ we have been freed from our bondage to sin. But for what have we been freed? We are freed from slavery to be children of God's household forever, Jesus says!
As slaves, we were just like household appliances, like an oven or a dishwasher. We existed to fulfill a purpose and to be used up as such. As appliance slaves, when we can no longer do the job, we might as well be dumped in the landfill.
Jesus frees us from that short, uncertain life of servitude. Jesus frees us to be a child of God's household. To be such a child is to be someone whose life is certain, who is in a beloved relationship with God, and who inherits all the benefits God has to offer now and forever! What a happy exchange!
As children of God's household we can also be free to serve others in love. Now that you've been embraced in the love of God's grace, what do you want to do for others today?
Prayer
Lord God, Heavenly Father, thank you for freeing us to be your children. Help me to live into this truth, so that I may serve my neighbor in your love. Amen.