February 22 Blessing of Belief

John 8:30-32 Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him. 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
 
LIKELY, you have heard the Bible summarized with, “Believe in God. Believe God.” These verses are a good summary of s faithful, active belief in the Lord God.
   It seems when we read the gospels and teach on Jesus’ life, we see Jesus in conflict with unbelieving Pharisees, priests and the general population. Certainly, this has been true throughout John. As Jesus battles with the Jews’ unbelief, we can easily forget God was transforming many to put their faith in him. Is it not a remarkable work God was doing to renew minds for people to “Believe in God”? Hearts and minds came to faith! Souls were being rescued from death. Hallelujah!
   Jesus then affirms their faith with these remarkable, often quoted words, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” In faith, the believes’ lives will change. We’ll see, as is the case with all new believers today, they don’t truly know what this faith means for their lives. But a new beginning is occurring for God’s faithful.
   Believing in God, do you celebrate Jesus’ strengthening, promising words? Of course, you do. That’s why we love to say, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” and pass this truth to others. Such a magnificent truth is worth knowing and saying. It indicates you believe in Jesus’ resurrection power to transform the lives of those who follow Jesus’ teachings in faith. Indeed, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7) How good to believe in God, to know God reigns over sin, darkness and death!
   What joy, then, it is to live in response to your living freedom. Here, then, is where you show the world you “Believe God.” As you believe Jesus’ truth has set you free from sin and in the sure hope of eternal life. Believing God, you forgive as you are forgiven. You see the light amid troubles. You know even death is no more. Your prayers include petitions to for God to save your loved ones as you are eager to help others seek Jesus’ freedom, too.
   We’ll see in our next lessons the people here still needed to see more of Jesus to fully believe he is the risen Savior of the world. You can praise God that you can see all of Jesus in the gospel and believe his words.
   Do you believe in Jesus? Then believe God. Faithfully live into his truth.  
 
Prayer: I thank you, God, that I believe in you. I pay I have the faith to believe your words, that I live free of sin’s chains. Amen.