In the Gospel of John, Jesus gives us a very reassuring promise that explains the heart of God very simply, as well as the battle that rages against us. Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (Jn 10:10 ESV) I have taught on this powerful verse before (see some links below), but to sum it up: the thief is trying to destroy everything good that God desires for Humanity. This “thief” speaks ultimately about the devil and his legion of demons, but also those who are influenced by his evil, the corrupted world system and that old, MMI Jezebel we used to be too. The one and only agenda of this “thief” is to steal our peace, kill our joy and ruin our lives, and thereby destroying our witness of what it means to be a Christian. Ahhh, but Jesus has come…can we take a moment and just praise Jesus for coming into this world, and more importantly, into our lives to reverse all the wickedness that thief has tried to bring about? Oh Lord we thank You for loving us so much that You gave up everything so that we may know You and know this Abundant Life. Amen!
The Abundant Life Jesus comes to offer us really has nothing to do with the things of this world. It finds it’s center in the Eternal Life we will enjoy forever when our time here is done. Yet this Eternal Life is supposed to begin here. While Jesus has already saved the believer, the believer is to begin to grow in Christ to reveal this Salvation to the world around them, while having, and enjoying this New Life in Christ. As we grow, we sense this blessed gift from God and begin to live with overflowing peace and joy. This is what God desires for us, as clearly seen in the verse above. (Jn 10:10) This is also what we were created for, to be like God, Who is Peace and Joy. (Gen 1:26; Eph 4:24) And we ourselves have an internal desire for an overflowing life too. (Ecc 3:110) So if God wants this for us, if we were made for it, and if we really want it too, why do so many God fearing, Bible believing, Jesus following, Holy Spirit indwelled Christians not sense this Abundant Life? Let’s talk about it this month…
Some videos on John 10:10
The Evil Agenda
It Is a Promise
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
<>< Peace, Diane
