“I have come that you might have life, and that you might have it abundantly!” John 10:10
In a recent conversation, a woman I’m mentoring honestly confessed that she did not feel like she was living the abundant life that Jesus promised in John 10:10. In order to figure out what Jesus might have meant by the phrase “abundant life”, we went back to the context of this verse.
It’s all about sheep!! (And their shepherd, whose loving care of his sheep is described in so many ways throughout the chapter.) As she and I discussed her lack of abundance, it really came down to the question, “As his sheep, do you trust the shepherd, or are you trying to do life as a wayward sheep?”
Unfortunately, the tendency of most sheep is to stray from the shepherd (Isaiah 53:5-6).
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way. . .” This leads to a lack of abundance.
Are you a weary sheep? Are you tired from trying to do life on your own? Surrender and allow the shepherd to find you and carry you back on his shoulders to safety! Acknowledge that you are “prone to wander” and choose instead to stay close to the shepherd each day, allowing him to carry you when you are fearful, hurt, or confused. Don’t run off, because as stated in Psalm 23, there are so many benefits of staying close to him that lead to the abundant life that Jesus promised: lacking nothing, resting, peace, restoration, his presence and comfort, just to name a few.
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it!
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, oh take and seal it,
Seal it for thy courts above!
(Prayer taken from hymn Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing by Robert Robinson)
Read through John 10, noting everything Jesus does for his sheep. If you have time, also go to Psalm 23, and see if you can add to my list of what the abundant life is all about. Resolve to stay close to the shepherd and experience the abundant life that Jesus came to give you!!
By Karen Woodard
Used by Permission
FURTHER READING
• Eternal Love
• Fully Surrender to the Lord
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