May 12- John 10:10

THE VERSE

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
~John 10:10

THE THOUGHT

Jesus’ statement here is a vibrant example of what Paul David Tripp calls “the ‘nowism’ of the gospel,” the difference between believing in life after death and the understanding and experience of life before death. Jesus came to save us from the guilt, penalty, and power of sin—both in the life after death and in this life. A right understanding of the gospel will not leave us discouraged, defeated, and dismayed in our day-to-day experience. Rather, the incredible truth about what God has accomplished for us in Jesus Christ, when really grasped by the heart, results in a transformation of perspective that alters the very fabric of our lives.

This doesn’t mean living with a grin on your face every day, or being ‘happy’ all the time, or experiencing abundant material blessings. What Jesus means by “abundant life” is a life full of the enjoyment of the presence of God, a life resting and abiding in Jesus, a life content to trust the sovereign goodness of God, a life deriving strength for each obstacle from the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. It is a life full of the Word and prayer, a life lived outward rather than inward, a life more focused on others than focused on yourself, a life aware of continued unworthiness before God, but even more aware of the inexhaustible riches of God’s costly free grace poured out on you in Jesus.

God does mean for this to be the experience of His children. A life like this is the fruit of comprehending the gospel at a heart level. Examine your life. Does it look “abundant” to you or to someone observing you? If not, why not? What sins are you holding onto—sins that steal and kill and destroy your joy in God? Where are you failing to apply or believe the truth of Scripture—your finances, your future, your relationships, your past? The good news is that what we need is not more grace; God has already given us “everything we need for life and godliness.” What we need is a greater understanding and apprehension of what He has already given us in Jesus. Pray for this.

THE PRAYER

Dear God, It’s easy for me to see that I am not living an abundant life. I am far too comfortable with my sin, far too distracted by worldly attractions. I have been lulled to sleep by the deceitfulness of sin; save me from this hardness of heart, and awaken me to see how great and glorious Your grace is! I want to live in the freedom of the cross; I want to exist in joyful dependence on you; I want to trust in the unfailing riches of Your kindness; I want to exult in the great heights of Your love. Open my eyes, Lord, and call me into the abundant life You have purchased for me.

EXTENDED READING

John 10:7-11
Ephesians 1:16-21
1 Peter 1:3-8

THE QUOTE

“Mediocrity is life lived in the shadow of a small cross.” ~Beth Moore