Image from twcdailydevotional.wordpress.com
‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:1-10)
Someone cheated me out of an Abundant Life sermon. Or I wasn't listening. One thing I know I had not paid attention to this particular passage of scripture until I was in seminary. I remember hearing the responses to a question I've long forgotten, but when I heard, "Abundant life!" I perked up my ears and wondered, "What are they talking about?" And then I read this beautiful and powerful passage that contains my favorite verse in the Bible, which is verse ten: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." That's the Gospel in two sentences. It is a recap of life and all of its challenges. Think about it; the temptations that we have only lead to one of these three that Jesus mentions. We may indulge in an act that steals life away from us, or steals health. Another temptation is meant to kill us. And ultimately, sin may completely destroy us. We cry, Satan laughs. But Jesus counters the first sentence with His words about life and living that in an abundant way. It is a promise to lead us from just existing, to a life filled with meaning and purpose; of service and acts of charity and kindness for others, being a blessing to God and God's people.
And this is ours for the asking. If you're tired of living as in a rut, doing the same thing over and over again, talk to Jesus in a simple prayer that asks, "Lord Jesus, grant me that life that leads to abundant living." And it will be yours.
PRAYER: Lord, take us from mere existence to life in abundance. Help me to see life through Your eyes and to see the countless blessings that have been mine all along, and lead me to being a blessing to You and Yours. This I pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
