"If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed," John 8:34.
It stands a curious development. When we (humans) think of freedom we usually mean it within a political context. Here, however, Jesus speaks of freedom within the spiritual context of sin and release from its enslaving, deadly consequences. So, sometimes, when we (followers of Christ) hear of oppressed peoples in our country and of their protests for political justice, we remind them that true, biblical freedom is a spiritual, not political, thing; they should forbear. A true enough statement. But then (and here's the curious part), when we perceive government encroaching on our own political freedoms, suddenly we may feel the need to take up protest in some fashion or another in that same political dimension. Nonetheless, Jesus' Word continues: If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Not of this world. Sky kingdom.
As we visit with a brother or sister today, we return to Jesus' real freedom, to live in the house of God forever. And, together, we give thanks to our liberating God.
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