Grietje Commelin 
“And He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan.” (Mark 1:13) Yesterday I wrote that Jesus’ baptism marked the beginning of His public ministry. That does not mean, however, that He immediately sought publicity. On the contrary, Mark 1:12 tells us: “The Spirit immediately drove Him out into the wilderness.” The wilderness … Lees meer
“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee […] And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are My beloved Son; with You I am well pleased.’” (Mark 1:9-11) The coming of God the Son to this earth is of the utmost importance. It is described in four books of the Bible, each writer approaching … Lees meer
“The Lord God said to the serpent, […] ‘I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.’” (Genesis 3:14-15) The Lord God created a beautiful world. Alongside countless different kinds of animals, this world was inhabited by … Lees meer
“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12) As a Christian, you do not live 100% autonomously, but allow yourself to be led by God. That is quite a challenge, because His will may clash with your own wishes … Lees meer
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Many people hold the opinion that you need freedom and autonomy to achieve something in life. They think you can only get … Lees meer
“You were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13) This Bible verse is confusing. If you are obligated to serve others lovingly, how free are you really? Doesn’t autonomy mean that you decide for yourself what you want … Lees meer
“Not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42) Jesus Christ is the Son of God. If anyone can make autonomous decisions, it is Him! This is clear from His words in Matthew 28:18, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” As the Son of God, He can shape the … Lees meer
“People can plan what they want to do, but it is the Lord who guides their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 ERV) We already saw that unlimited autonomy is problematic when it comes to living together with others. If everyone claims maximum freedom for themselves, it inevitably clashes with the freedom of others. Therefore, it is good … Lees meer
“Surely you know that you become the slaves of whatever you give yourselves to. Anything or anyone you follow will be your master.” (Romans 6:16 ERV) In order to enjoy freedom of choice and autonomy, we want to break free from restrictive rules and authoritarian structures. Once these are gone, we will be free! But… … Lees meer