The life eternal and abundant

12.03.2021

Friday March 12, 2021

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 10:11

Jesus called himself a "good shepherd." As Psalm 23 illustrates, the shepherd's supply can be summed up in one extraordinary expression : total security. But remember that any provision is measured by our commitment. If our commitment is total, our security is total. If we put limits on our commitment, we will not be able to enjoy the complete security that Jesus offers.

We can reinforce this Old Testament illustration by reading the words of Jesus in the New Testament : "The thief comes only to steal, and to kill, and to destroy ; I have come that the sheep may have life, and that the thief comes only to steal, and to slaughter, and to destroy ; I have come that the sheep may have life, and that they have it in abundance." (John 10.10). Jesus explains to us why he came to earth. He sums it up in one simple expression : that we "have life". Not a little limited life, but a life "in abundance". A life that overflows. Life for every part of our being. A life more than enough to face all the challenges and all the pressures that may come against us.

"Jesus came that we might have eternal life, a life that extends beyond this world."

Then a little further on, Jesus uses the following expression, "eternal life" : "My sheep listen to my voice, I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life. They will never perish and no one will perish. will not be able to tear them from my hand." (John 10.27-28)

Observe the central sentence : "I give them eternal life ; and they will never perish." Through this passage we see that Jesus came so that we might have eternal life, a life that extends beyond this world. A life that goes beyond the grave. A life that will last for eternity.

I once heard someone make this very insightful comment : "I believe I will live as long as God lives because he has become my life." This is the life that Jesus came to offer us. His life, forever.

A prayer for today

Thank you Jesus for your work on the cross. Through your death I have eternal and abundant life. You suffered my death so that I could receive your life. Amen.

Derek Prince

Source (The Thought for the Day)