Good morning. Abundant…it is a word filled with promise and expectation. It refers to you having more than enough to get by. It means that the shelves are full, the needs are met, and that you are squared away. You are ready for anything that might come up, or at least as ready as a person can be.
Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:7-11
Jesus is our Good Shepherd. The above scriptures speak of that truth, and how as our Good Shepherd He has a special relationship with each of us. There are imposters, in this case they are represented as “thieves”. But Jesus alone is the Good Shepherd who functions in a way that is wonderful and incredible: The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
His love for us knows no boundary. Even death will not prevent Him for doing all that He can for His loved ones, for you and me.
This should be enough, but Jesus didn’t stop with that bold truth. Jesus went on to say that how we live is important to Him: I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
What does abundantly mean for us? Does it mean that Jesus will ensure a bigger paycheck? No. Will Jesus lower your golf score or increase the size of the fish you catch? No. Will Jesus make certain that your children are lovely, helpful, always respectful, and always ready and willing to lend a hand with the chores. Oh, my goodness, no.
Please read the 23rd Psalm to understand more of what it means to recognize Jesus as your Good Shepherd. He will make sure your needs are met. He will guide you through the steps of life. He will watch over you through the scary places, even the valley of death. He will prepare a feast for you while your enemies look on in wonder. Jesus will prepare a place for you in eternity, and you will dwell with Him forever.
Abundant life is a confident life, a secure life, a joyful life, a purposeful life, a saved life.
Embrace the fullness of life in abundance by living it the way Jesus invites you to live.
Vern