“The Truth Sets Us Free”

Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”  Powerful words… a powerful proclamation on “truth”. Jesus is the way, the truth , and the life. And on the contrary , Satan is the “father of lies”… the ultimate liar. 

There’s nothing more wonderful than when we recognize and embrace the truth… the “wow moment”…”I’m astonished”…I’m speechless….I didn’t know…”. In regards to the truth about my soul and my relationship with God, being convicted and uttering from the depths of my soul…. “I’m so sorry…I was wrong…I’m so sorry…please forgive me. 

I’ve heard the word compunction defined as “the moment of deep conviction of sin, while at that same moment realizing that God forgives me”. Truth washing over me like a waterfall…conviction and forgiveness…. the ocean of mercy…. A WOW moment.

I’ve had a dream/daydream on more than one occasion where there is a big crowd which included some very public sinners (names you would know) who were being honored as they spoke  about deeds of evil…. words spoken with looks of arrogance and pride…. it was an awful scene. And then suddenly this figure approaches and everyone’s gaze turns to him and one by one people fall on their knees , with tears and astonishment and repentance and joy and hope…. And then the “public sinners” do the same … falling on their knees, recognizing that it’s the Lord…it’s Jesus. All cry our for mercy and forgiveness, and their countenances change from arrogance and ugliness to peace and love and joy. It’s a wonderful scene. I’m so happy as I take it in.. I’m so happy for everyone there…. I’m for the public sinners. 

What a great moment when sinners repent and turn to God.  “I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance”. (Luke 15:7)

So, whether it’s you or me or “public sinner #1”, it’s great to be convicted of sin and recognize the great truth that God loves us and sent his only son to save us. May no one be left out…may no one cling to their sin and hard heart and delusions. 

So may we all know and proclaim “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”.  (Phil. 2: 9-11) This is very good news.