NEW LIFE
“Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.” John 6:57 (NIV)
Life is in this one verse: Living (adjective). Live (verb, present tense). Will live (verb, future tense).
Jesus spoke these words after He had just called Himself the Bread of Life (John 6:35). Precious living bread – one we can feast on and be completely filled. The Israelites were given manna to be gathered every day (except the Sabbath), but we have Jesus as our daily bread and this Bread is living.
Isn’t it good to know our God is living? He is not dead, He’s alive. And He is here for us leading and guiding us. Not only that, but His Son Jesus is also living to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25).
Jesus came, lived among us, and did His Father’s will while here. He pointed others to God and lived out a life of submission before man, which included becoming sinful and dying on the cross as a sacrificial Lamb – all in our place. However, it doesn’t end there. Victory was and is His and ours. The tomb is empty and He’s alive. What an incredible truth! One that we, as believers, base our faith on.
The world chases after idols and other gods, other things to fill the void and gap. Things which promise life, but in fact only bring death. Oh, the world may not call it that, but that’s what it is. And, like it or not, these gods and idols are dead, inanimate, and definitely not living.
Because God is outside of time, He is eternal. He stepped into time at creation, so He is alive without end or beginning. It is an huge truth to grasp, but one worth grasping and holding onto.
Jesus came to bring us life – not death. He came to give us breath unto Him – an abundant life rich in meaning, purpose, blessing, and worship. (See John 10:10.)
When we accept Jesus as Lord, we live and will live forever with Him. Oh, that we would walk in this Truth. Sometimes I believe we just cope, accept the lot in life and collapse into bed each night because we just survived. I am so guilty of this. Where is this abundant life? Is it in the drudgery of the everyday? Should I be calling my life drudgery?
This is the point where we stray. We who call ourselves Christians, allow ourselves to be robbed – yes robbed – of the abundant life. We might even leave the door unlocked and open for the thief to come in. It starts with one thought not checked, one attitude fostered and fed, and one habit not given up. Are you ready and willing to live the abundant life? Ready to stop living with a poverty mentality and start walking in the knowledge we are His and He is ours and He is for us?!!! Let us hold our heads and hearts high as we embrace what God has for us.
I am in. Are you?
Father God, I thank You for life! Life in You, life with You, and the choice to live for You. Oh that I may see the abundant life You have for me – not calling it mundane or drudgery, but rather a life filled with purpose and meaning. I do lay my life down for You and may You have Your way with it. I am willing to follow You. In the Name of Jesus, the Bread of Life. AMEN
