January 13, 2016
“A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” John 10:10 The Message
Jesus said it, so it is not only true .. it’s real .. and it’s involves every aspect of your life. The thief is real as well, except he is not true .. he kills, steals, and destroys .. and it involves every aspect of your life as well. Those images seem ancient by our standards. Except the thief is as real today as he was 2000 years ago when Jesus described his mission. He steals hope .. he kills spirit .. and he still is allowed (for now) to destroy lives. But his voice and actions have no power against the Nail-scarred Shepherd who offers real life. That real life consists of a real holy faith .. a praying life with real power .. and an everyday life centered in God’s love. They are not just words to Jesus. He is describing what your life looks like really alive in Him. The miracle and mystery of the life Jesus offers is found in every possible circumstance and situation. He doesn’t offer a formula for success. He offers you a life where you can indeed open your arms in surrender and find strength in His mercy. There isn’t a life untouched by the thief’s disguise. He can never restore .. give life .. or resurrect from the dead. Jesus is the author of unending life. He is authoring that life in you .. a resurrection life. The Lord has not left you alone to fight your own battles or chart your own life. He stands ever ready .. risen .. and real to guide your steps and lead you ahead into more life “than you ever dreamed of”. It only takes a moment …
“But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!” Jude 1:20-21 The Message
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent to Outstretched Arms following Jesus (kchesterp1@gmail.com)
