The One and Only Source For Abundant Life!

Welcome to “Word from The Center” MONDAY, a devotional word from the Center of our faith, Jesus Christ, with reflections on His Word. I’m Gregory Seltz. Today’s verse is John 10:10, where Jesus says,  

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

The one and only source for abundant life!

I think it is fair to say that these days we are often terrifying our people, young and old. People are constantly being told that all is lost, our planet is doomed, and there is no hope for humanity (unless, of course, you vote for the right people and joyfully give them control of your life and your tax monies, etc.). We live in a time of both manufactured and real crises, coupled with more and more pompous leaders with even more brazen claims for solutions. (Do you remember when a newly elected politician said that “today the rising of the seas slows and the planet begins to heal?” Really?) When the arrogance of sinful people continues to disappoint us, when our own incapacities and self-doubt get the best of even the “best” of us, it makes Jesus statement above in John 10 even more amazing and timely. Here’s the point -- in the middle of present day chaos, as well as in moments of peace and prosperity, Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life,” and He offers that full, lasting life to each and every one of us.

Wow, what an incredible statement! You can have your health, you can have incredible wealth, you can have the cumulative wisdom of the world today with access to the most sophisticated technologies, but if you don’t have Christ, you are missing out on life, period. On the other hand, if Jesus Christ is your Savior, in Him there is abundant, eternal life in the middle of struggle, chaos, pandemics, war, suffering, and even pain. He is the only source for eternal, abundant life. Everything else and everyone else will leave you wanting in the end.

In the context of today’s verse, Jesus even warns us to that effect (see John 10:7-13). He’s telling us not to try to go it alone (as if we could) and not to look to anything in this world besides Him for the kind of life that lasts. Jesus has to remind us of that again and again because we can be so over-confident in ourselves. We have to learn anew that life this side of heaven is fraught with danger, destruction, and despair. Couple that with the fact that there are “thieves” all over the place in this world seeking to steal from us what only God can give. Satan, the world, and even our sinful flesh are constantly trying to convince us that the source of enduring life is anything other than Jesus. Don’t let that happen to you! Don’t let anything or anyone steal your heart and your soul away from the living God! Don’t let anyone steal the abundant life that Jesus wants you to have in Him.

Many of us today are really worried about protecting our physical health and our material wealth. There’s nothing wrong with those, when kept in their proper perspective. But you should care even more for your spiritual and emotional health as keys to abundant living. Care most of all for that life which is rooted in the person and work of “God in the flesh,” Jesus Christ, who lived, died, and rose again so that you can have abundant, eternal life IN HIM! Don’t become so preoccupied with anything else which leaves the doors of your soul unguarded, or worse, wide open for the thieves in this world.

Jesus talks straight today. He says that, in the face of death itself, He himself is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). This is not a bargain or some sleight of hand. Jesus earned the right to say this to you and me when He died our death to give us His life. Don’t let anyone tell you that there is anything in heaven or earth greater than His offer of life and salvation which are received through repentance and faith in Him. So, will it be thieves, robbers, OR Jesus Christ? When it comes to abundance, eternal security, and the power to energize life now and forever, there’s only one true, reliable, and lasting source. In the midst of everything today, put your trust in Him, alone.

PRAYER: – Dear Lord Jesus, give me the courage that comes from faith in You. Enlighten and empower me to realize that even having everything this world can provide is nothing compared to the abundant life that comes from knowing and trusting in You alone. AMEN.