John 8:31-33

“Then Jesus 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.’” vss. 31-32

When confirmation occurs on Reformation Sunday this can be a wonderful text for hitting the confirmands with one more bit of law before they head out the door. So some pastors will let them know in no uncertain terms that unless they continue in the word, they will not be disciples of Jesus or know the truth.

Interestingly enough, such words will never keep any confirmand from wandering. The warning is forgotten as soon as it is uttered! How much better it is when we can see the words of Jesus as a promise! It really is good to know that, as we continue to celebrate grace with a life of faith, we will be truly free. As the years pass we will continually discover new truths that are rooted in Christ, and feel the increasing freedom that always accompanies the grace and forgiveness that the Spirit brings us daily.

Will confirmands wander? Of course they will. That’s what sheep do when the gate of the fold is opened. But too often we forget that they have a shepherd who will never lose track of them, and who will be with them constantly. Our only responsibility as people of faith is to keep on loving them and keep on praying for them.

Thought for the Day: How does one continue in the word of Jesus?