The life that Jesus purchased on the cross is abundant life in more ways than one. To be sure, it is abundant because it gives us everything we need for eternal life. But it is also abundant because it gives us everything we need for everyday life. The problem comes in when we choose to live a life smaller than the one Jesus paid for with his own precious blood. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
Now the “thief” is very crafty in executing his plan in destroying life. It really doesn’t look like destruction at all. In fact, on the surface it looks pretty good. It is a life that is lived with the greatest goal of personal happiness. We want our home to be loving, our health to be good, and our harvest to be plentiful. And what is wrong with that you ask? On the surface there is nothing wrong with wanting a loving home, good health, and a plentiful harvest. These are good gifts that God is often pleased to give to His people. But when these gifts are our greatest goals we are living lives that are smaller and narrower than they were ever meant to be. You see, Jesus didn’t die on the cross to make you happy. He died on the cross to make you His. And in making you His you may find your home troubled, your health tested, and your harvest threatened.
So what kind of life have you been living lately? Have you been living in pursuit of your happiness or His holiness? You were not blood-bought to accomplish your goals and meet your needs, but to pant after and partner with the Most High God in expanding the cause of His kingdom. It is being driven to get up early and stay up late to know better, love deeper, and serve more faithfully the One who has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. Now that is true happiness in both life and death. That is the Gospel. That is more grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT…AMEN!!
Grace for the Race 