“Life is a game show where the people who enjoy it are the winners.”
~ Orson Bean, Actor
“Life is a grindstone. Whether it grinds you down or polishes you up depends on what you are made of.”
Let’s face it, with the recent “recession,” life has been more of a grindstone than a game show for most people. Many Christ-followers, who struggle with day-to-day life, are wondering where God is and if He can be trusted. When they read their Bible, many of them have a hard time reconciling the promises of Jesus with the practical life they are living.
Jesus Brings Abundant Life!
So, let’s get into it. What does Jesus promise and how can you experience it? What did Jesus say that day in Nazareth?
“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor.” (Luke 4:18)
Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and anointed (sacredly commissioned) to preach a message of Good News. His target audience was: The Poor! Poverty is a constant struggle, filled with suffering and sadness.
Jesus was here to tell the poor that God loves them. That He created them to love them. That Jesus had come to redeem them because he loves them. That he would never leave them or forsake them because he loves them. That they could call on him anytime for help because he loves them.
- The abundant life of Jesus brings Good News to those whose live are marked by suffering and struggle!
If this is so, it is truly good news! There’s a song we used to sing that went, There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus, No not one, no not one!” So how does one enjoy such an abundant life where Jesus is your constant companion and friend?
“Jesus answered, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23)
- Jesus himself informs us that the abundant life is only obtained through a love relationship with him.
Perhaps on Facebook you have noticed there is a place in your profile where you can tell people you are “in a relationship” or married, etc.
We have to willingly, lovingly enter into a relationship with Jesus – a permanent one. For the blessings of the abundant life are not obtained through a ritual but through a relationship.
Have you entered into a love relationship with Jesus? How does anyone know if you have? How do you know if you have entered into a love relationship with Jesus? Let’s read the verse again and find the answer:
“Jesus answered, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23)
Obedience to Jesus’ words is the evidence of a love relationship with Him. Which words? All of them!
