One of my most treasured possessions is the paper relief artwork my wife made for me in our first year of marriage. It has always hung on my office wall, as a reminder of her love and our shared partnership in making known the Word and will of God.
It is a fish, with a quote from Pope John XXIII. He is the Pope who presided over the opening sessions of the Second Vatican Council. The quote is based on John 8:32.
The bible verse reads: "You will know the truth and the truth will make you free."
What a wonderful statement. And, how true it is! The truth about God's love for us and the lengths to which God will go to redeem us does set us free. We do not need to worry - about what we will eat or what we will drink or what we will wear - or whether we are loved or accepted or cared for. We know the truth and the truth has set us free.
The quote on the piece of art reads: "The truth will make you free, but first it will make you miserable." This is also true. Miserable in that the truth is such a gift; yet it is a gift too seldom shared, received, and lived. So much of what we see could be changed if the truth were known and applied.
As a campus pastor - as a pastor - I see how the truth does change lives. I also, too often, see how the truth is just so wonderful it is difficult for folks to accept it and live it.
As I read John 8 this morning, I realized how blessed I am to be in a position to see the truth taking root and growing in the lives of all of you. I am grateful for that. I am also saddened when I encounter those wounds or fears which are just too deep to allow the truth a fingerhold. What I want is that we might all come to know this truth and live it - live it together.
NOTE: Spring break is next week at Clemson. These offerings will return the following week.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment