January 31, 2023
Friends,
“Buy truth, and do not sell it;
buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding” (Prov. 23:23).
When Pontius Pilate was perplexed by Jesus, wondering what kind of a man this was in front of him, Jesus said, “Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice” (John 18:37). And Pilate replied, “What is truth?” (John 18:38).
He couldn’t make sense of Jesus’ confidence. It was confidence in the face of accusations and falsehood and slander. It was confidence in the face of a judge, Pilate himself, who could apparently condemn or acquit Jesus at will. It was confidence in the face of death, which comes for us all.
You might see that kind of confidence in the demeanor of a lunatic — someone who has lost his grip on reality, who doesn’t react the way you’d expect him to. But you can also see in such a man the inconsistencies, the things that don’t add up. You don’t need false accusations and slander. His lunacy speaks for itself.
But that wasn’t Jesus. He spoke about the truth, and they could not bring a charge against him. He spoke about the truth and demonstrated it in all his actions. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).
This freedom is one of the glories of following Jesus. Nothing is hidden, nothing is glossed over, nothing is darkness — it’s all light and life. This is why asking questions is a such a great way to study the Bible, and I love hearing your questions. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). “How much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him” (Luke 11:13)!
“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David” (Isaiah 55:1-3).
The truth is what’s on offer in God’s Word — the truth that sets you free and gives you life in abundance! Rejoice and have your fill of it!
God bless and keep you,
Pr. Buchs
COMING EVENTS:
Christian Doctrine Class – Wednesday, February 1 @ 6pm
Family Night – Wednesday, February 8 @ 5:30pm
Elder’s & Council Meetings – Thursday, February 9 @ 6 & 7pm
Women’s & Men’s Bible Study – Wednesday, February 15 @ 6 & 8pm
Ash Wednesday – Wednesday, February 22 @ 7pm