"...and the truth will set you free." -- John 8:32b
The other night I watched retired baseball slugger Mark McGwire in an interview on MLB network. McGwire admitted using steroids and human growth hormone during his years as a record-breaking home run hitter. His tears and obvious humiliation were sad though his revelation surprised no one.
What I found interesting is that both McGwire and the commentator kept coming back to "the truth will set you free." They called it both an old saying and a cliche. Excuse me? Have we gotten so far away from scripture that we don't recognize a Bible verse when it hits us in the face? Or are we so afraid to step on toes that we don't openly acknowledge sin and confession when we hear it?
In this passage Jesus referred to Himself as the truth. He sets us free. He frees us from the chains of sin and the self-deception that sometimes comes with it. Did McGwire really believe he could get away with breaking rules and then lying? Maybe he convinced himself that no one would ever know. Isn't that the way sin works? It operates best in the darkness. Jesus is the light.
I don't mean to condemn McGwire. I admired him as a player. I'm proud that he had the courage to publicly face his past. I just wish he'd also had the wisdom to understand that Jesus is the truth who sets us free. He died for us, so that we sinners can have forgiveness and eternal life with God.
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