Message from Scripture: 2/23/2021 

Today our message from Scripture comes from John 10:10. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Jesus is constantly concerned about our well-being, both physically and certainly spiritually.  To the Jews of His day, He continually emphasized that His coming wasn’t for His own personal benefit, but theirs.  In contrast to others of His day, those who came to “steal, kill, and destroy,” Jesus came to offer “life, and have it abundantly.” The Christian life is an abundant life, filled with peace, joy, and hope.

Odd, isn’t it, how Jesus calls life in Him abundant, while the world considers it as just the opposite.  God does not want us to be miserable, as some would have us believe.  Are there restrictions, or boundaries, He has established for all our lives?  Of course. Some reject life in Christ because of this, while there are all types of boundaries we must recognize for life in general. Few ignore the boundaries imposed by the law of gravity. If flying in an airplane, we want it designed and built to what we know about the physics of flight.  Unless one has emotional and mental issues, none would walk out in front of a speeding vehicle. We understand the consequences of ignoring these things. We live in conformity to them because it is for our well-being.

Leaving the will of God to follow sin may promise abundance, but it will end up leaving one empty and broken.  Life in Christ, in what we should and shouldn’t do, is what is best for us.  Life in Christ offers us life as God intends for it to be, life as we were created to live and enjoy. Every commandment of God is for our good.  We don’t miss any of the good life by living in His will, but have that abundant life, and only in Him, eternal life.  Make God’s will your rule for life, because without it, sin is the rule. God offers us His best.  May our lives reflect Him in all we say and do, and the joy of salvation will be abundant. Have a great day. God bless.

Robert