“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17, NIV84)

We stop to meditate today on an amazing verse in Scripture. Over the last month or so we have looked at a lot of verses that reference truth. We have been looking into the words of Jesus and appreciating the depth and meaning the concept of truth has to Him. But today is a very important day. In our moment of daily devotion we get the opportunity to peer into Jesus’ daily meditation. We have the opportunity to eavesdrop on Jesus praying to God the Father. We get to see what truly is on the mind and heart of Jesus. John recorded Jesus’ prayer in the 17th chapter of his gospel. In that prayer we see Jesus say to the Father, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.”

Do you think truth is important to God? Are you convinced now that this is why Jesus came? Truth is on Jesus’ mind and in His heart when He prays to the heavenly Father for and about us. He came to rescue us from the Devil (who is a liar and a murderer) and lead us back into truth. He said, “Sanctify them by the truth.” To sanctify means to “set apart” and to “make holy.” Truth is a powerful thing. It has the power to transform our lives. Jesus didn’t say “a” truth but “the” truth. There is only one truth and God has the ability to use that truth to touch our lives.

So what is that truth? Where will we find it? What does God use to bring that truth to us? His Word! Jesus said, “Your word is truth.” There is one source for absolute truth, and it is God’s Word. So when the “word becomes flesh and dwells among us” (John 1:14), Jesus becomes the embodiment of that truth. This is why Jesus could say, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” He was the Word of God in human form. If you want to know what the truth is, get to know Jesus. God also provides for us the entire Bible as the source of truth that we can learn from.

Jesus prays that the Father would continually use the word of truth to save the lost and broken from the lies of this world. He prays that the Father would use His powerful Word to sanctify us by the truth. May God’s Word be the source of truth and sanctifying power in our lives today and every day.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church