READING: John 7-8
Just a few days ago was Halloween, a “holiday” when kids (and adults, sometimes) dress up in various costumes and seek candy at each front door. When I was growing up—years before I became a believer—I recall seeing more than one kid dressed up as a devil. That “devil” was essentially a cartoon character who made for a cool costume with horns and a pitchfork. Many, many years later now, I know the devil is much more than that.
What we learn in today’s reading in John 8 is that Jesus was hardly unclear about who the devil is. Watch for the repetition here, and you cannot miss Jesus’ view of the devil as He strongly addressed the Jewish leaders: “You are of your father the devil, and you want to carry out 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 tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). The enemy destroys and kills, and his very nature is deception. We are not to take him lightly.
On the other hand, Jesus has already broken his back through the cross (Col 2:15). He who is Truth and who grants us truth through His Word frees us from the liar’s bondage and empowers us to walk in victory.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Is the “father of lies” somewhere influencing your life?
PRAYER: “Father, help me to walk in truth throughout this day. Help me to reject the enemy’s lies.”
TOMORROW’S READING: John 9-11