The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”
In John 8:30-36 Jesus continues making bold claims about his identity and authority. He is the one who has a word which, if people will remain in it, they will be made free. He says his word is truth, powerful truth. How is this claim received?
Those opposing Jesus immediately say that they have never been in bondage. They are the free children of Abraham. The essence of the claim is that of a birthright. It is by being born as a child of Abraham that the people of Israel expect to be considered God’s free people.
Jesus will have none of this. The promise is to Abraham, but through this promise not only Israel, but all the world will be blessed. It is received not by birth identity but by faith. And Jesus says it is received by faith on him.
Has God promised to bless your nation in these last days? He has, because his promise is for all nations. Are you going to inherit the promise by being part of your nation? Not at all. You will inherit God’s promise by trusting that Jesus is, in fact, the one promised by God to reconcile you and God. This is where life is found. This is freedom.
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