John 8:50, 54, 55b

God wants to glorify me…It is my Father who says these glorious things about me…I know him and obey him.

Can it really be that simple?

Several years ago I heard a story about Paul Cho, pastor of, at that time, the largest church in the world in Seoul, Korea.  When asked how he did it—how did he grow such a huge, dynamic, Spirit-filled church—he replied, “I pray… and obey.”

Jesus said many times that the source of His strength and of the miraculous things He did was His Father in heaven.  He only did what He saw the Father doing.  He only did what His Father wanted.  How did He know what that was?  He prayed.  Prayer is, after all, simply communicating with our heavenly Father.  Prayer is talking to Him as Father and Friend.  Prayer is listening for His reply (for He will reply).

And what Jesus heard, He did.  No arguing, no rebelling, no compromise, no bartering, no making a deal.  He just did what the Father wanted—even when it meant dying on the cross.  And the Father glorified Him for that obedience.

We are invited to do the same thing:  To pray.  To be in loving communion with our Father.  That is, of course, what UP is all about.   And then we are called to obey.  That is, of course, what OUT is all about.

Father, please help me to keep it simple: pray and then obey.

Dialog discuss: William Paul Young explained his primary purpose in “The Shack” was to show that God is not an absent Father, but is in “The Shack” with us, in our Great Sadness, usually showing up in a way we do not expect. His explanation certainly won’t pacify his critics, but it’s still helpful to see a novel in its larger context. Marshall Shelly, Live from Catalyst

Dialog: What is the most powerful experience where you discovered your Heavenly Father with you in “The Shack?”

John 8:33-47

“But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone on earth. What do you mean, ‘set free’?” Jesus replied, “I assure you that everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free.”

I begin by suggesting that there are two kinds of slavery.  External slavery is that condition when a person is forced into and kept in a situation against his or her will. Here we think of tyrannical governments and human trafficking networks.  Internal slavery is that condition when a person invites into his or her life a power that soon overtakes one’s will and wreaks havoc.  Here we think of all manner of addictions and ill-committed affections.

Jesus declares that there is a fundamental freedom that can address both slaveries above.  The secret:  one’s identity as a true child of the living God.  The metaphor of sonship/daughtership suggests the idea that a child actually possesses the irrevocable privilege of forever bearing the family name with all of its resources and responsibilities.  This rooted identity is a true source of life and power with which to face a dangerous world.

If a son or daughter of God should fall into external slavery, the vital link to an always-present Father Who is at work redeeming the evil world is a life line that can feed persevering courage, hope, and strength. When facing the world’s alluring temptations, this vital link to a Father in heaven Who loves us and Who promises to meet our needs is powerful armor against the pull of the silver-tongued idols. Should ever a son or daughter of the living God fall into the trap of addiction, they are sons and daughters still and their Father will not forget or abandon them.  And although He will not make their choices for them, He will move heaven and earth to respond to their humble surrender.

Jesus shares His Sonship with us, making us free indeed!

Jesus, Son of God, to You alone I turn to secure my forever adoption!

Dialog discuss: Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens. J. R. R. Tolkien

What are your experiences of faithfulness and friendships? Where do you have regrets, thankfulness? What will you do today?