GPS-“Babylonian Unwinding Stew

JUN 30  / Sunday – Read John 8:31-36

Overview: Imagine going back to slavery just to get veggies. The Israelites were leaning that way. And we’re already making similar trade-offs.

JUL 01 / Mon – No one’s slave  |  Read Jeremiah 25:1-11 / Jeremiah 29:10 / John 8:33-34

Babylonian Unwinding Stew is one of the oldest recipes in the world. It was found on a clay tablet in the ruins of Babylon. Do you recognize the name of that city? It was the center of the most powerful empire in the world in the 6th and 7th centuries BC. Their king, Nebuchadnezzar, took the Israelites captive for 70 years. So the Jews’ statement to Jesus was inaccurate. But that’s human nature, wanting to be independent, to be one’s own master. To what have you been enslaved in the past? What do you struggle with even now? Find hope in Jesus’ declaration (v 36). Look to Him.

02 / Tue – Faulty memories  |  Read Exodus 16:2-3 / Number 10:11 and 11:4-6

The Hebrews were only 45 days into freedom when the grumbling started. Over what? And God did provide. Then, sometime during their second year of freedom, the people again began grumbling about food. They looked longingly back to the past, remembering only the positives. Has this ever happened to you? It’s quite common. So, what present difficulties are you tempted to complain about? Put 1 Thessalonians 5:18 into practice and see what happens.

03 / Wed – Faulty conclusions  |  Read John 8:31-32

Verse 32 is a rock-solid principle, but how often is it applied? When something happens, do you stop to examine your conclusions or do you just react? A/B/C is a tool some counselors use that might be helpful. The Activating event triggers a Conclusion you act on. But examining what you Believe about that event is often overlooked. At times a Conclusion might be based on partial or inaccurate information. Next time, try asking the Lord ‘what is the truth about this situation?’ before you react. If you do this, the Holy Spirit can help you respond as Jesus would.

04 / Thu – Who’s your master?  |  Read John 8:34 / 1 John 1: 8 / 2 Peter 2:19b

The Jews in this conversation did not understand spiritual slavery. Jesus defined it clearly in v34. Later John reminds us of the importance of being honest with ourselves in v8. Peter adds an interesting comment that ‘...people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.’ Maybe you can take some time for self-reflection today. What or who has mastered you? Where do your time and resources gravitate? Is there anything you would have difficulty giving up if Jesus asked you to?

05 / Fri – True freedom  |  Read Rom 7:14-25

Can you identify with Paul’s confession? Maybe you have felt his discouragement and even, at times, his despair. His hope, and ours, lies in v 25. When you feel condemnation, remember God knows your heart and will provide a way out of temptation (1 Jn 3:19-20 and 1 Cor 10:13). Stand firm on the truth of 2 Cor 3:17. The Spirit of Lord is with you and in you. Wherever you go, He goes. You can have freedom in the most restrictive situations as you focus your attention on Him. Will you do so?

06 / Sat – How do you handle freedom?  |  Read 1 Peter 2:16 / Galatians 5:13-18

True freedom can be exhilarating. Yet, if we are not careful, the devil can tempt us to misuse this wonderful gift. Have you observed this in others or maybe even in yourself at times? According to these verses, what can keep you from falling into that trap? Where do you need to be most on your guard? How can you use your freedom to serve others? Will you be alert for opportunities to help someone find their freedom in Christ? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you and He will.