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
My mother died recently, and a few weeks later I went back to the family home by myself. The hollowness of that house—devoid of Mom's laughter, her cooking, her stories—reflected my own empty feelings of loss, grief and even abandonment. No one is ever old enough to suffer the loss of a parent without feeling a bit orphaned. I sat that night and thought about all the houses I had ever lived in, some still standing, others long since gone. The memory of those places is precious, but it can also be a reminder that these houses of earth, wood, glass and stone are only temporary. The promise that Christ extends to those who believe and follow is that we have a "permanent place in the household," a dwelling in which we truly belong, an eternal home that he secures for us.
Prayer
We give you thanks, Lord, for the place in which we live today, but remind us that our true home is always in you. By your grace, set us free to live in your house now and forever. Amen.