Scripture Lesson: John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10
Meditation
Jesus not only came to give us eternal life, He came to give us abundant life. Eternal life speaks of our life in Christ after this experience of living is over. Abundant life speaks of this present life.
The dictionary tells us that the word abundant means “present in great quantity; more than adequate; over sufficient; well supplied; abounding, richly supplied”. But what did it mean in Jesus’ day? The word translated abundantly here is the Greek word perissos. According to the Strong’s Dictionary of Greek words, perissos means “exceeding some number or measure or rank or need, over and above, more than is necessary, superadded, exceeding abundantly, supremely, something further, more, much more than all, more plainly, superior, extraordinary, surpassing, uncommon, pre-eminence, superiority, advantage, more eminent, more remarkable, more excellent”. It is clear that for many of us, we are living beneath our means.
Does this mean that Christians should have an abundance of material things? Or should we over spiritualize this scripture as we do so many others to say that Jesus was talking about an “abundant” spiritual life? Or does the truth lie somewhere in between? Our greatest clue comes from the beginning of this scripture. Jesus states that the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. However, as a contrast, Jesus comes that we might have life and an abundant one at that. Can the thief steal, kill or destroy our spiritual life? He does not have that type of power. But he can steal our resources, kill our dreams and destroy our passion to work for the kingdom. While these may appear to be strictly “spiritual” things, they have many physical components. Kingdom work requires resources. And while we are to have an exceeding abundantly spiritual life, we can be of little help to the kingdom without proper resources. Jesus has, by grace, provided for that also.
Affirmations
Although the thief comes to kill, steal and destroy, I have learned that through Jesus I have been given authority over all of the power of the enemy. Therefore, I will accept the superior, exceeding, more remarkable, more excellent life that has been promised to me by Jesus. I rejoice and I am grateful for the promise of an abundant life.
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