“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” John 10:10 (NLT)
Note the counsel of Eleanor Roosevelt, “Life is meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never for whatever reason, turn his back on life.”
Now read the Lord’s words again. As our Savior, Jesus came to supply life to us. The thief had already come to Eden and stolen human joy, killed human spirit, and destroyed human peace. What the thief had begun in Eden would eventually destroy human life.
Jesus came, however, with the purpose of restoring peace, resurrecting the spirit, and restoring joy. But wait, his purpose didn’t end with a restoration of Edenic life. His purpose and work includes our present life lived today and all of our tomorrows.
There is more to life than simply salvation by faith. That is the beginning, not the all-inclusive state. This life that Jesus Christ brings is life to the fullest extent. No part of this life is missing. ALL (its full extent) of it is the believer’s inheritance. Jesus doesn’t give only a portion of life. He gives every iota of detail that God requires for it to be called life. Nothing is lacking. It is yours today, through faith in Jesus Christ, if you will receive it. “As many as received him to them he gave the power to become the sons of God” (Jn. 1:12).
Perhaps life isn’t lived in the fast lane. No, it is lived in the everyday living of hope. The thief continues to do his dirty work. Don’t give him the satisfaction of your life. Step up to Calvary and receive the inheritance to real life. Don’t turn away from life!
Dear Father, thank you for Christ who gives us life to its fullest extent. Empower us today with the faith and courage to resist the thief’s attempts to steal, kill, and destroy our life. Enable us to be strong in the Good Shepherd. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Be encouraged today by the Good Shepherd and the Life he gives,