That they may have life! (R)
John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - NIV
Mission is important. It determines and defines what one does. It sets boundaries, avoids distractions and leaves out what is unnecessary, focusing only on what is useful for the mission. Jesus, while teaching on His good Shepherd role, touched on His mission on earth while comparing it with the thief’s mission. He came to give life eternal and in its fullness to those who believe in Him.
Sin had created a barrier between man and God. As a result of sin, death came to the human race (Gen 2:16-17). Spiritual death is separation of fellowship between man and God. Physical death is separation of soul from the body. Eternal death is eternal separation of the human soul from God for eternity in hell. Because God’s original intention for man was not to die, He brought a remedy of death as a result of sin. Thus Jesus came to bring life to a lost dead humanity.
Whatever was needed to deal with sin and death was accomplished in Jesus’ coming, death and resurrection. All He asks us to do is to believe in Him and we recieve eternal life. To all in Him, you have crossed from death to life. Those who have not yet believed are still dead in their sins. Would you heed His soft and tender call to come to Him? You can do so right now through a prayer asking Him forgive and save you. You too can be a partaker of eternal life Jesus brought.
Romans 6:22-23 "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Shalom children of God.