|
TMeeks -> RE: where is the abundant life? (7/17/2008 9:43:31 PM)
|
Dear alanajackson,
I can understand how you feel. But, you are only quoting half of John 10:10. And, you are misquoting the part that you have addressed. That's very, very common.
You must see it ALL to understand your life in light of the promise of Jesus. Here is the full verse...
John 10:10
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
The first thing that we see in this verse is that their are two leaders that are focused on your life... a thief and Jesus Christ. Notice that the thief is very goal oriented when he comes into your life.
He comes to steal.
Satan is CONTINUALLY at work in circumstances, others and your own thought processes to steal from you. He is actively trying to steal your happiness. He is actively trying to steal the joy that a good marriage can bring into your life. He even came into you life in the form of an abusive husband which stole kind and gentle love from you. You name it, if it's good, then he's trying to steal it from you... CONSTANTLY.
He comes to kill.
One of the primary ways that we know that we've let Satan get away with stealing from us is when we contemplate suicide or engage in those things destined to end our lives early, like drugs and alcohol. I'm sure, that one of the reasons that he is so actively trying to get humans to do harm to themselves so that they die an early death is that the longer they live, the longer they have to understand who Jesus Christ is and turn to Him. This leads us to the last goal that Satan has for every human being.
He comes to destroy.
Why is 'destroy' AFTER kill? It's because he's after our UTTER DESTRUCTION. That is, if he can progressively steal a person's happiness, turn them to suicide or drugs, etc. until they die then he is assured to have plenty of company at his own destruction. He knows that God desires that every person become His child and like a vengeful spouse that kills their children to get back at their husband or wife, Satan enjoys seeing God lose one that Jesus died for.
So, in your life, all the things you have mentioned, at some level, are the result of Satan being able to use others or circumstances to rob you of your happiness. And, he is RELENTLESS.
may have life
But, notice that Jesus isn't relentless like Satan. Jesus uses the word 'may' to describe His work. He died for all. But, not all accept that sacrifice. But, for those that DO accept it, he gives life. If that is true for the FIRST thing he says he came for, then it's also true for the second thing he says was his mission.
may have it more abundantly
Just like salvation isn't automatic. Neither is the abundant life. It's CONDITIONAL. Jesus has provide you with the means; but, it is up to you to take advantage of those means in your own life. The first step is to come to grips with the fact that if you are a true Christian then the Holy Spirit lives IN YOU.
When you are in that cubical, so is the Holy Spirit.
When you husband disappoints you, the Holy Spirit not only knows that; but, experiences that disappointed.
When you see your children being disrespectful, the Holy Spirit is there with you, figuratively shaking His head.
You are NOT alone. Not now. Not ever. But, to enjoy the benefits of that you have to determine that you are going to grasp that reality to the full.
If this makes some sense to you, I'd like to go on and talk about the RENEWED MIND. This, I think, is why you are letting Satan steal from you. You are thinking with the old brain and not the NEW mind that God gave you at your salvation. Let me know if this is something you'd like to pursue and I'd be glad to go on.
|
|
|
|