Dr H Reflections

Seek the LORD and His strength

Seek the LORD and His strength

Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. – Psalms 105:4

1 Chronicles 16:8-12

8 Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.

9 Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.

10 Exult in his holy name; rejoice you who worship the LORD.

11 Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him.

12 Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given.

Who seeks the God?

The saying “There are no atheists in foxholes” is a commonly used phrase implying that during moments of intense uncertainty, stress, or fear, people often find themselves believing in a higher power. In the real-life scenarios of war, such an abrupt shift in faith is often referred to as a “foxhole conversion.”

Indeed, individuals identifying as atheists, agnostics, and similar beliefs do exist. But why is this the case? The holy scriptures portray a grim image of fallen humanity that has strayed away from the Father.

Psalms 53:2-3

2 God looks down from heaven at the human race to see if there is anyone who is wise and seeks God.

3 Everyone rejects God; they are all morally corrupt. None of them does what is right, not even one!

What motivates people to pursue God? It’s the Father who initiates. He makes the first move. We seek Him because He first sought us. It is love that makes the difference. The distinguishing factor is love. The Father extends His unconditional agape love towards us, and as we accept His love, we respond with our love for Him.

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.

In Psalms 105:4, the Psalmist is encouraging the readers to seek God’s presence and draw on His strength continually. The phrase look to the Lord suggests reliance on God, especially in times of trouble or uncertainty. It’s a call to trust in God’s power and wisdom rather than our own.

The phrase seek His face always means to strive for a close, personal relationship with the Father and to desire His guidance and fellowship constantly. It underscores the importance of prayer and spiritual connection in maintaining a close relationship with God.

It’s a verse that offers comfort and encouragement, reminding children of the King of the continuous presence and unwavering strength of God.

1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.

The phrase Seek the LORD and His strength encourages believers to look to God for strength, acknowledging that human power is limited and true strength comes from God alone. It’s a call to rely on God’s might and wisdom in all circumstances.

The command to us means to always strive for a deep, personal relationship with the Father. It signifies the desire to get closer to the Father and experience a more profound connection with Him. It involves nurturing an emotional bond with the Father. But it is much more than that. The objective is not merely to seek assistance from God for specific issues or challenges but to foster a continuous awareness of His love and peace at all times.

Knowing about God and knowing God are two entirely different things. Maintaining a close relationship with the Father is sadly infrequent in the Scriptures. Job illustrates the distinction in His encounter.

Job 42:5 I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.

The Bible contains less than a handful of instances where individuals encountered God face-to-face. Moses stands unparalleled among all the Old Testament characters.

Exodus 33:11 Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.

Deuteronomy 34:10 There has never been another prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.

The Father created humans to have a relationship with Him. Each child of the King knows the Father and has a personal relationship with Him. However, the extent of such knowing varies greatly. It ranges from simple recognition to deep intimacy. Face-to-face knowledge implies recognition and closeness. The bar is set high, an ongoing, active pursuit of God and reliance on His strength in every aspect of life.

REFLECT & PRAY

Each child of the King requires confidence and strength. The Father is our stronghold. He provides all the strength we need. It is incumbent upon us to recognize His omnipotence and place ourselves under His protection. We are to seek His strength. We are to seek His face, His presence forever.

Father thank You for seeking me in order that I might seek You.

INSIGHT

Psalms 105:4 Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him.

Why is awareness of His strength so important? We are fallen creatures with limited physical and spiritual resources. Our spiritual strength and vitality are dependent on His spiritual force and energy. The Father strengthens us by imbuing our spirits with His strength (Spence-Jones). We learn to depend upon His strength rather than our own.

How do we do this?

We choose to surrender our desires and ambitions and conform to His. We align ourselves with Someone greater than ourselves and His Kingdom purposes.

Luke 9:23-24

23 Then he said to the crowd, If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.

24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.

As children of the King, we do not live for ourselves alone. We surrender our lives to Him.

Psalms 105:4 Seek for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek his face.

There are two different Hebrew words translated as seek. The first is darash. Darash has the sense of getting or reaching something one desires,“to seek with care, make supplication with demands and prayers” (Tesh and Zorn). We are to be all in as we search for the Father and His strength.

The second word is baqash. Baqash has a sense of searching for, calling upon, or consulting. It frequently refers to seeking something that is lost, missing, or unknown. Way

Seeking His face implies a sense of neediness and urgency on the part of the seekers. Something is missing, and they must find and enter into it. They are to seek His face and enter into His presence.

Seeking the Lord is not a casual or occasional pursuit. Instead, it is earnest, intentional, and continuous. Seek the LORD and His strength evermore.

How do we seek the Lord, His strength, and His presence?

Read and study the Scriptures. In them, we discover more than God’s nature or purposes. We discover what the Father is like as a person.
Reflection and meditation. We spend time reflecting upon the Word and enjoy His presence.
Prayer and worship. We develop a heartfelt communication with God, expressing gratitude and seeking His face. We acknowledge His goodness and greatness.
Living in accordance with His kingdom standards.
Walking in the spirit and allowing His power and grace to flow through us into the lives of others.

“Seek, seek, seek, we have the word three times, and though the words differ in the Hebrew, the sense is the same. It must be a blessed thing to seek, or we should not be thus stirred up to do so. To seek His face is to desire His presence, His smile, His favor consciously enjoyed. First, we seek him, then His strength, and then His face; from the personal reverence, we pass on to the imparted power, and then to the conscious favor. This seeking must never cease – the more we know, the more we must seek to know” (J. I. Packer).

“Never let the presence of a storm cause you to doubt the presence of God” (Craig Groeschel).

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Limitless ∙

Limitless ∙

He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon, the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter). – John 1:42

Mark 1:16-18

16 As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

18 Immediately, they left their nets and followed Him.

Could it be that each person on planet Earth faces real or imagined obstacles in life? Are we able to transcend our presumed limits? Can we move beyond what we see? Sadly, many individuals are myopic and shortsighted. We impose restrictions on ourselves that are either self-inflicted or imparted by those who disparage us. These non-affirming individuals belittle our ambitions. Regrettably, we often limit our potential because of a lack of vision and the artificial limitations imposed upon us by others.

“If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them” (Bruce Lee).

“Keep away from people who belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great” (Mark Twain).

During biblical times, surnames did not exist. People were identified by their father’s name (for instance, Simon, son of John, Judah Ben Hur) or their place of origin (for example, Jesus of Nazareth, Simon of Cyrene). A person’s name was believed to embody their personality characteristics.

The Father can see below the surface. He knows the inner recesses of our hearts and minds. He sees beyond the present day and is aware of future events before they happen. The Father often assigned new names to individuals in the Scriptures, which signified their new character, purpose, or responsibility.

Simon is an English translation of the Hebrew name Shimon. Shimon is derived from the Hebrew term sh’ma, which signifies listen, hear, be attentive, or pay attention. The Lord Jesus Christ had a broader vision for Simon. Being a mere “listener” was too limiting and restrictive. The Father had a far different plan in mind for him.

John 1:42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon, the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter).

When the Lord Jesus Christ first encountered Simon, He knew what Simon would ultimately become. The Greek translated as look is emblepo, a combination of en, meaning in or on, and blepo, meaning to look. It means to look in the face, fix the eyes upon, look at, or upon. Thus, it had the sense of deep contemplation, consideration, and clear discernment: see clearly, discern.

Upon meeting Simon, the Lord Jesus Christ clearly discerned the future. He declared that Simon’s name would be Cephas. This new name was a prophecy of Simon’s future identity. It was a prediction of what he would become. Cephas is an Aramaic term that translates to rock. The Greek equivalent of Cephas is Peter, derived from the Greek word Petros, also signifying a rock. Therefore, Peter and Cephas are not separate names but the same name in two different languages.

Matthew 16:18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means rock) . . ..

Simon’s initial encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ changed the trajectory of his life. It would take many years for the weak, inconsistent, unpredictable, and impulsive Simon to be transformed into a steadfast rock. Yet, that was precisely what the Father accomplished.

Tomorrow is always the first day of the rest of your life! Make the rest of your life the best of your life!

REFLECT & PRAY

“The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him. By God’s help, I aim to be that man” (Moody).

Father I am aware that from time immemorial, You have seen the inception, progression, and culmination of my life. Embolden me to perceive myself through Your eyes and have faith in myself as You do.

INSIGHT

But there’s more, in the Old Testament, a change of name often signified that the individual had entered into a new relationship with the Father. It was akin to a fresh start in life. That person now had a new beginning, a calling, and a purpose.

When the Father looks upon us, He is not limited by our present circumstances. In fact, He perceives not only what we are, but also what we will become. His vision extends beyond our immediate status. The Father also sees not only the possibilities and potential but also what will actually happen.

As Lord Jesus Christ beheld Peter, He saw more than just a fisherman from Galilee. Instead, He recognized the future leader and spokesperson of the early church.

The story is told of Michelangelo chipping away with his chisel at a huge, shapeless piece of rock. Someone approached and asked Michelangelo what he was doing. Michelangelo replied, “I am releasing the angel imprisoned in this marble.”

The Father sees and can release the hidden potential in each of us. He gently whispers to each of us, “Give me your life, and I will make you what you have it in you to be.” He has intelligently designed each of His children for a specific purpose. His purpose is His dream for our lives!

When the Father looks at His children, what does He see? He sees what we will become because He knows what we will become. When we look at His children, what do we see? And when we look at ourselves . . ..

Mark 1:16-18

16 As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

18 Immediately, they left their nets and followed Him.

“‘Follow me’ meant ‘come behind me as a disciple.’ It was an invitation, but in view of who Jesus was it had the force of a command” (Constable).

Their task was no longer to cast nets for fish but rather for people. Just as fishing requires hard work, self-sacrifice, and expertise, so too would their new mission of reaching out to lost humanity. They had a lot to learn, yet they responded without hesitation. They dropped everything, left their current tasks behind, and devoted themselves to becoming disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus Christ asks all the children of the King to follow Him, become His disciples, and embark on the journey He designed them for from eternity past.

The date, October 28, 1949, holds a distinct place in Christian history. Why? It is not due to a revolutionary theologian affixing a paradigm-shifting document on a church door in Wittenburg. Nor was it because a renowned evangelist, pastor, or teacher was born. Instead, it was because a young man, profoundly devoted to God, wrote a simple yet profound sentence. These words are now among the most frequently cited Christian phrases not originating from the Holy Scriptures. They were written by Jim Elliott, a missionary who was martyred on January 8, 1956, by the Aucas in Ecuador (Kevin Halloran).

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

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Climb the highest mountain ∙

Climb the highest mountain ∙

A person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God. – Luke 12:21

Hebrews 11:24-26

24 It was by faith that Moses when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

25 He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin.

26 He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.

The film “I’d Climb the Highest Mountain” was produced by Twentieth Century Fox and made its debut in 1951. Its narrative is derived from Corra May Harris’s 1910 novel, “A Circuit Rider’s Wife.” The plot revolves around a Methodist minister who, in 1910, is summoned to serve as a circuit rider in a remote mountain community in northern Georgia. Accompanied by his new bride, they find themselves in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The couple is a study in contrasts. William Lundigan hails from the deep South, while his wife, portrayed by Susan Hayward, is a city girl.

Lundigan assumes the role of a shepherd to his congregation, tending to their emotional and spiritual needs. However, the extreme isolation and poverty of the area present a daily challenge to the faith and resilience of his new marriage. Despite these hardships, Lundigan’s faith remains unshaken, and his inner strength proves more than adequate to guide his congregation through their trials. He fearlessly leads them through a severe epidemic, constantly teaching and spreading the message of the Father’s love. Indeed, Lundigan climbed the highest mountain.

Every child of the King faces their own set of challenges, one of the most significant being the setting of priorities and making necessary adjustments to fulfill them.

Scripture provides general guidelines applicable to every child of the King. Of utmost importance, it is incumbent upon every child of the King to put the Father first.

Exodus 20:2-5

2 I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.

3 You must not have any other god but me.

4 You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.

5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods.

Each of us has unique responsibilities that are part of His plan for us. These challenges often create tension. The tension is relieved by a simple but tough decision. Once and for all, we make a decision, to prioritize the Father’s will and calling above everything else. Once this pivotal decision is made, the remainder of life becomes a process of executing that decision. There’s always clarity about what needs to be done, eliminating any cause for tension.

This was the path chosen by Moses. He rejected the indulgent and sinful luxuries of Egypt and instead identified with the people of God, the nation of Israel. He sought a future reward given by the Father Himself. In a manner similar to the Lord Jesus Christ’s suffering for His people, Moses, too, faced hardship. He chose to bear mistreatment alongside the children of Israel rather than partake in the fleeting pleasures of sin with the Egyptians.

Hebrews 11:24-26

24 By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,

25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,

26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt.

REFLECT & PRAY

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose” (Jim Elliot).

Father encourage and strengthen me to climb the highest mountain that You have assigned to me. I want to be “All in.”

INSIGHT

In the film “Chariots of Fire,” Eric Liddell is portrayed as a man of deep convictions and unwavering priorities, especially when it comes to his faith. Liddell adamantly refuses to compete in the Olympics if it means compromising His commitment to the Father. He flatly refused to run on Sunday, which he considered the Lord’s Sabbath. He was accused of putting God before the King. Headline news read: “Olympic athlete Eric Liddell puts religion before country.” He prioritized Faith Over National Pride.

Liddell faces intense pressure from various officials, representatives of the British government, and the media. He is met with worldwide scorn, deemed by Britain as a traitor who “upheld a rigid regional piety on a global stage that required transcendent statesmanship.”

However, the tide dramatically turns when Liddell, feeling Father’s pleasure, wins his event and secures the gold medal, setting a new world record in the process. Overnight, he is transformed from a traitor to a celebrated international hero. But that’s not the end of the story. Liddell goes on to serve as a missionary in China, which he considers his grandest victory.

Liddell said, “. . . since I have been a young lad, I have had my eyes on a different prize. You see, each of us is in a greater race than any I have run in Paris, and this race ends when God gives out the medals” (christianity.org.uk).

Liddell learned from the apostle Paul that athletics, spirituality, and calling were perfect allies (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

Did Liddell receive earthly rewards for his endeavors before his life ended? No, the Father had a vastly different plan in store.

In the spring of 1943, when the Japanese invaded China, Liddell was incarcerated in a Japanese internment camp. Despite his predicament, he became a beacon of hope, love, and light within the camp. He devoted his time to teaching Bible classes, assisting the elderly, organizing recreational activities, and teaching science to children.

Did angels miraculously free him? Were the guards blinded, locks opened, allowing him to stroll out of the camp freely? Did a chariot of fire whisk him away? No, none of these occurred.

Liddell suffered from an incurable brain tumor and passed away on February 21, 1945, a mere five months before the camp’s liberation. According to a fellow missionary, Liddell’s last words were, “It’s complete surrender.” He was referring to giving his life to the Father. Liddell was “All in” until the very end. Eric Liddell did indeed climb the highest mountain. It led him into the presence of His heavenly Father.

Luke 12:21 A person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.

The Lord Jesus Christ warned all children of the King about harboring incorrect attitudes regarding wealth. The true richness of life is not found in financial prosperity but rather in a deep and meaningful relationship with the Father. Instead of promising wealth and comfort, the Lord Jesus Christ foretold of challenges, resistance, and persecution. However, a close relationship with the Father and intimacy with Him far outweighs the value of any material goods.

“There is a story of a conversation between an ambitious youth and an older man who knew life. Said the young man, ‘I will learn my trade.’ ‘And then?’ said the older man. ‘I will set up in business.’ ‘And then?’ ‘I will make my fortune.’ ‘And then?’ ‘I suppose that I shall grow old and retire and live on my money.’ ‘And then?’ ‘Well, I suppose that someday I will die.’ ‘And then?’ came the last stabbing question” (Barclay).

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Mighty in spirit

Mighty in spirit

We fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. – 2 Corinthians 4:18

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

16 Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

As we journey through life, we usher in our golden years, a phase marked by two contrasting realities. On one hand, our physical bodies inevitably succumb to the ravages of time, we wear down, wear out, and eventually return to the earth from whence they came. On the other hand, aging brings its perks.

Aging is synonymous with the development of what’s known as crystallized intelligence. Crystallized intelligence is the accumulation of knowledge. This knowledge is accumulated from both education and life experience. As we age, our reservoir of knowledge or crystallized intelligence grows and becomes stronger. The learning journey is never-ending; there’s always something new to discover or understand.

The ultimate benefit lies in honing our ability to utilize this accumulated wisdom effectively. The way we see, understand, and navigate our way through the world becomes characterized by wisdom. Wisdom, after all, is the practical application of knowledge; that is, wisdom is putting our knowledge to good use.

However, more significant than the growth of crystallized intelligence is the growth of our spirit. Our human spirit can grow stronger as we grow closer to the Father and learn to rely upon Him. This is possible for every child of the King. John the Baptist is an impressive example of spiritual growth. Luke makes a very salient observation.

Luke 1:80 The child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit.

The human spirit is capable of growing stronger and stronger when exercised and developed over time. The apostle Paul shows us the way.

“Paul’s sufferings, while not fatal, were destroying his body. Nevertheless, even this did not discourage him for even though physically he was decaying, spiritually he was still developing” (Constable). Paul underwent a complete paradigm shift. What sparked this transformation? From a human viewpoint, it was entirely unexpected.

Romans 5:2-5

2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope.

5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

The trials and tribulations that Paul faced and overcame transformed him. He now had the Father’s perspective. This eternal perspective focused on the hope that things to come sustained Paul during the temporary sufferings that marked his life. “What is seen (the material) is temporary, but what is unseen (the spiritual) is eternal” (BKC).

REFLECT & PRAY

What we see is informed by what we expect to see. When our eyes are earthbound, we are restricted by what is perceptible in the physical world.

Father open the eyes of my heart to see things as they really are, not as they appear to be to my limited human eyes.

INSIGHT

He had learned to view things through the Father’s lens. Paul sees as the Father sees. The eyes of Paul’s heart had become enlightened (Ephesians 1:18). He could now see the unseen. The Father Himself is unseen by human eyes. But with the eyes of faith, the eyes of the heart, He becomes visible. The Father and all that He had revealed and promised had become more real and substantial than what Paul could see with his physical eyes.

Like Moses, Paul was able to persevere and overcome hardship.

Hebrews 11:27 [Moses] kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.

Paul was convinced that his sufferings and hardship in this life were fleeting and momentary.

2 Corinthians 4:18 The things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

The Scriptures present an intriguing paradox permeated with irony. The physical things that we see now seem durable and lasting. However, they are, in reality, temporary, ephemeral, transient, and fleeting. The eternal realities of the Father and eternity, which we cannot see with our physical eyes, are lasting and eternal.

Eternal, invisible realities become clear and vibrant as transient, visible realities fade and become dim. The challenges of temporary discouragement diminish. Paul was mighty in spirit. His spirit was being renewed day by day. Even as Paul’s outer physical existence was breaking down, often unprotected, abused, beaten, and frequently left for dead, the Father renewed him inwardly every day. He became stronger and stronger in his spirit. He became increasingly robust as he responded in faith to the adversities he faced. Instead of dragging him down, they served as opportunities to experience great joy.

James 1:2-4

2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

4 So let it grow . . ..

“God will never be a debtor to anyone. That means that any ‘sacrifice’ we make or hardship we endure for His sake and by His Spirit, He will amply reward out of all proportion to what we suffered” (Stanley).

“It’s easy to grow old if you haven’t grown up” (John Hively).

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Are you in alignment with your assignment?

Are you in alignment with your assignment?

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. – John 8:32

Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.

“Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains” (Jean-Jacques Rousseau).

What is freedom?

Freedom is a mind-boggling gift from the Father that enables us to lead a fulfilling, joyful, and responsible life. The emphasis on responsibility is crucial because every liberty comes with a corresponding responsibility. These freedoms aren’t without limits or restrictions. Someone cannot yell “Fire!” in a crowded movie theater when there is no fire.

A distorted interpretation of freedom equates it to unrestrained behavior. Those embracing a licentious lifestyle suggest that they possess an inalienable right granted by God to act as they wish, when they wish, where they wish, and with whom they wish, devoid of any control or limitations (Timothy M. Dolan).

Jeremiah 9:24 But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who practices unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth and that I delight in these things. I, the LORD, have spoken!

The Father wants us to know and understand Him through a personal relationship. Once we recognize that the Father seeks a relationship with every child of the King, our working definition of freedom changes. True freedom is not simply about acting without restriction, but it’s about nurturing appropriate desires and aligning our lives with the Father’s plan. To put it differently, genuine freedom results when our desires coincide with the will of God.

The Father designed us to enter into and develop a relationship with Himself. He also created us to relate to those around us. Real freedom can be found in nurturing deep, healthy, close-knit relationships with both God and other individuals. Father has invited us to experience true freedom as we commit our lives to finding and fulfilling His plan for us. True freedom is found when we experience the life Lord Jesus Christ desires for us to live.

“Freedom means the opportunity to be what we never thought we would be” (Daniel J. Boorstin).

Let’s come back to our original question: What does it mean to be truly free?

The Father invites each one of us to experience the freedom that comes from committing our lives to His purpose for us and loving others. This is the only path to experiencing the rich life the Lord Jesus Christ wants us to live. Then, we are in alignment with His assignment for each of us.

REFLECT & PRAY

“True freedom is not the liberty to do anything we please, but the liberty to do what we ought; and it is genuine liberty because doing what we ought now pleases us” (D.A. Carson).

Father thank You that You invited me into a close personal relationship with You. As I draw close to You, I can experience true freedom.

INSIGHT

In a postmodern world, the hope of discovering absolute truth has been largely abandoned. Yet true freedom is tied to knowing the Truth. This presents a conundrum for those living in the 21st century. How can we be free without Truth? The Lord Jesus Christ makes an extraordinary claim.

John 8:32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

“There is a world of difference between knowing something to be true in your head and experiencing the reality in your life . . .. Truly knowing God only comes through experience as He reveals Himself to you through His word and as you relate to Him” (Blackaby). Lord Jesus Christ is not referring to truth in a philosophical or abstract way. The truth He speaks up is not information alone.

John 8:36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

It is instead a statement about a living relationship with the Son of God, “the truth,” who gives freedom to human beings (Borchert).

There is more than one Greek word that is translated as know. The Greek word in use here rendered as know is ginosko. Ginosko has the sense of coming to know, recognize, or perceive. Ginosko is experiential knowledge.

“Many people have grown up attending church and hearing about God all their lives, but they do not have a personal, dynamic, growing relationship with God. They never hear His voice. They have no idea what God’s will is. They do not encounter His love firsthand. They have no sense of divine purpose for their lives. They may know a lot about God, but they don’t really know Him. Merely knowing about God will leave you unsatisfied” (Blackaby).

The human race was created in order to have a relationship with God and our fellow humans. Authentic freedom resides in nurturing wholesome, intimate relationships with both the Father and others. Hence, the freedom inherent in an abundant life can only be experienced via these relationships. This is the Father’s original plan.

The Father extends an invitation to all of us to embrace the freedom that comes from committing our lives to His purpose for us and cherishing others through relationships. This is the only path to experiencing real freedom that the Lord Jesus Christ desires us to enjoy.

What does it mean to know the truth? There is a close parallel here between “you will know that I am” John 8:28 and you will know the truth in verse John 8:32. This truth is neither abstract nor propositional. It is personal. Jesus is the Truth (John 1:14; John 14:3). Knowing Him (John 8:28) = believing in Him (John 8:24) = knowing the truth (John 8:32). It is more than knowing some facts about the Lord Jesus Christ. It is knowing Him in an intimate, personal way. Such “knowing the Truth” is a primary characteristic of the child of the King (Bryant and Krause).

“Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought” (Pope John Paul II).

“When Jesus said eternal life is knowing God – including God the Son, Jesus Christ – He did not mean that eternal life is knowing about God. He was not referring to someone who has read many books and attended numerous seminars about God. He was talking about a firsthand, experiential knowledge” (Blackaby).

When we initially accept Christ as our Savior, we are only introduced to Him. We do not fully know Him. Over time, we get to know Him better. The Lord Jesus Christ is unlike anyone we’ve ever known. There is no dark side to His character. There is no ugly side. He is not proud or selfish. There is no arrogance. His character is flawless. When we delve deeper into the Word, our understanding and knowledge of Him deepen as we connect with Him. We continually discover the magnificence of His character. (1 Peter 1:8; 2:7) (Richison).

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same” (Ronald Reagan).

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