READING: John 7-8
Though the scriptures are always sufficiently clear for what we need to know, sometimes they are so clear that ignoring their teaching is nothing less than foolish. Today’s reading is one of those examples.
Conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders was heating up daily. Jewish leaders “were looking for a way to kill him” (John 7:2). They declared him demon-possessed when He questioned their murderous intents or condemned their following the devil (John 7:20, 48). Were it not for God’s guarding the appointed hour of Jesus’ arrest and death, His enemies would have seized Him long before they did. His time would come according to the Father’s plan, not theirs (John 7:8, 30, 44; 8:20).
His enemies were, in fact, following the devil — Satan, whom Jesus described clearly and undeniably: "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). It’s hard to deny what Jesus wants us to know here. Satan is a liar. He’s a murderer, the enemy who seeks to destroy life. Those who do not follow God are following the devil instead. In fact, they are spiritually in trouble — “if you do not believe that I [Jesus] am he, you will indeed die in your sins” (John 8:25).
On the other hand — and here’s the good news of the Gospel of John — the Son of God can set captives free! Those bound in the enemy’s kingdom can find grace and victory through Jesus, and “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). So . . .
- if you’re struggling believing and think that you can never follow Jesus, He can set you free from your doubts.
- if you’re losing your battle to a particular sin, Jesus can free you from that bondage.
- if you’re holding on to bitterness and anger, the Son can change your heart.
- if you just keep losing to the enemy, you don’t have to stay on the losing side. Your Redeemer has already won.
And, if you think these words aren’t true, don’t listen to the devil. He’s a liar.
ACTION STEPS:
- Pray now for someone who seems to be stuck in bondage to the enemy.
- If you’re the one in bondage, turn your heart to Christ. The devil doesn’t have to be your father.
PRAYER: “God, please set me free. Help me to trust the truth of Your Word over against the lies of the enemy.”
TOMORROW’S READING: John 9-10