I have come that you might have life, and have it abundantly, (John 10:10).
Have you ever been asked the question, "How is that working for you?" It is usually asked when the person being asked the question has expressed some questionable statement about how they are approaching some area of their life. If someone tells you they are on the Haagen- Dazs and M&M diet, you might be inclined to ask the question.
How is your life going? Do you feel like there must be more? Today's text contains one of the great promises Jesus makes to his followers. Along with everything else Jesus came to do, he came to give us a greater quality of a better life. The word that is translated "abundantly" carries the idea of "extraordinary", or a "a surplus of what is required". One version translates it "to the full", but it really means "more than to the full".
Someone might say, "I don't believe in any of that." To which I might respond, "How is that working for you?" I should also point out that Jesus uses a special word for "life". The word is zoe. In the Bible it is the word used to talk about a different quality of life that is spiritually-based. It is a life that comes from God. It is given to us when the Holy Spirit comes to indwell our lives. It adds to the existing dimensions of our physical and earthly life a spiritual dynamic. It connects us with God and opens the door for him to infuse us with his presence in an ongoing and increasing experience of this special kind of life. The result? Jesus calls it "extraordinary". Notice that he says this is why he came. He came to show us what God is like. He came to die in our place on the cross. He came to give us life! Ask me how that is working in my life. My answer will be, "Great!"
Put an "A" on your hand today for "abundant". Whenever you see it, ask Jesus to increase his blessing in your life today. Let me know if it "works":)
Comments