John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Jesus speaking to some Pharisees one day, told them that the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but that He came to bring life and life more abundantly. This statement showed the beauty of His grace and mercy toward undeserving men where he offers an alternative to the evil one’s offerings whose motives are wicked.
Unfortunately, the Bible tells us the Jews who heard those words, responded with statements that He was demon possessed and mad. Yet others said those weren’t the words of a possessed man, questioning if a demon could open the eyes of the blind.
To this day, our Savior offers a unique kind of life for those who choose to accept it. It is abundant in its quantity and quality. Abundant can mean different things to different people. Yet from the Bible we know the life Jesus gives is eternal. You can’t get any greater than that–everlasting.
The Greek word for abundant in John 10:10 is perissos, which means overflowing, rich, full, extraordinary, beyond measure. This speaks to a life that is beyond what is expected or needed; not just satisfying. This life is more than sufficient but exceeding normal limits. Who wouldn’t want a life like that? Do we really understand what kind of life this is?
I’m hoping to be successful in encouraging you as a believer today to remember the type of life Jesus has provided us to possess. Of course, life on earth with all of its current challenges can be frustrating sometimes. We may become distracted focusing only on those issues that rob us of the life that entails the peace and rest Jesus made available to us. However, we can redirect our thinking with faith in the Lord’s promises.
NAHB – Hartness – Greenville, SC
In our daily prayer time, it would be helpful to ask the Lord to periodically remind us, in His own creative ways, of the abundant life we have in Him as we face each new day. We should remember that though we have trouble in this world, Jesus says He’s overcome the world (John 16:33).
Further, the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:35-39, reminds us that no trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword, death, life, angels, demons, the present, the future, nor any powers, height, depth, or anything else in all creation, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus! In fact, in all these things we are more than conquerors. Now how amazingly wonderful is that to know and believe?
This abundant life that Jesus has given us also provides some wonderful work by the Holy Spirit within us like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Not to mention justification, sanctification, and healing among other things. This new life we get to experience is beyond wonderful!
My thinking on this good news is not only to know what this abundant life entails, but to recognize the tools the thief uses to hinder us from living this life as Jesus would define it. We already know that anything of this world that involves theft, murder and destruction are the work of our enemy.
We also know from Matthew 28:18-20, that since the death and resurrection of Jesus, something remarkable has happened and has given us purpose: … “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
These are Jesus’ words to live by! While the method may differ from person to person, the responsibility is foundational for all of His followers.
Ms. Rita's Minute 