Today’s Scriptures: John 8:31, NIV- “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.”
In this day and age why should we hold to the teachings of Jesus? Because the truth and power of God and His Son are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The first scripture I read this morning was John 8:32 which states “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NIV)
I had to know what was before the “Then.” I desired to know what would allow me to know the truth and be set free, don’t you? I knew I had to read the previous verses. In John 8:31 we are told “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” (NIV)
In various translations the action required, in addition to hold, are continue, remain, and abide. We are instructed to stay and live with Jesus. Sometimes it does feel as if we are simply holding on. I do not see the word cling in commentaries, yet I know I need Jesus and His help to hold on.
In my sixty-three years of life I have attempted to hold onto many things. Nothing or no one else has ever set me free. However, as I have held onto Jesus, everything and everyone have been experienced with a new freedom.
John 8:30 tells us “As He spoke these words, many believed in Him.” (NKJV) This is what has happened to me. When I began to stay in the teachings of Jesus, He removed all doubt from me. Experiencing Jesus is completely different than knowing about Him. I have learned that there is power in the Words of Jesus especially when bathed in the prayers of the Holy Spirit. I have found freedom.
Freedom comes when we trust Him regardless of any other experiences, circumstances, and consequences. When we believe and trust Jesus in all these things we are free indeed. We also come to believe and know the truth of Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)
I know this because the darkness of my hurts, habits, and hangups led me to sit in the dark with the Father as Jesus did. The earnest cries of my heart when I was trying to hold on led me to the Word of God. The words of Jesus have set me free.
We can experience Jesus and experience what Jesus did. As Jesus stated in John 8:29, we can say “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” (NKJV) Well Ok, I do not always do what pleases God but holding onto Jesus day after day gets me closer. I am thankful for my struggles that continue to bring me close to Jesus and I know the Father has not left me alone.
In my recovery I have learned the power of Jesus in John 8:28, “Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.” (NKJV) As we lift up the Son of Man and hold onto His teachings, we do learn what the Father is teaching us. God the Father teaches us how to find freedom. Will you hold onto the teachings of Jesus today?
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, we lift up Your Son. Thank You for Your words You continue to speak to us. May Your Holy Spirit bring us to Your teachings, so we stay with You. Thank You LORD for the freedom to believe and the power and freedom of staying with Jesus. I believe. Amen.
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