Reflection: Purpose-driven Freedom
Jesus’ declaration that the truth will set us free is powerful on many levels.
Firstly, ‘the truth’ is that we are not qualified or capable of using our freedom, when we do so entirely on our own terms and in our own strength. The Jews with whom Jesus was speaking – astonishingly – claimed to never have been slaves (clearly, they’d forgotten all about Egypt and the Exodus).
Secondly, ‘the Truth’ is Jesus. It is through him that we are ultimately set free. Freedom is about not only being able to do what you want but wanting to do what you’re made for.
We need to channel our choices and freedom through a right relationship with God and right relationships with others. These relationships are the purposes for which we are made and through them, we have life and have it to the full.
Prayer:
Our Father of truth and life. Help me to use my freedom to invest in my relationship with Jesus and to build right relationships with others. I acknowledge today that Jesus is the Truth that sets me free. Help me to live this out in my decisions and choices, living in the freedom that you have given me by saving me from my sins and from myself. In Jesus’ name, Amen.