Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 29, 2020

Life to the Full


Bible in a Year:
Exodus 21–22;Matthew 19

Today's Scripture & Insight:
John 10:7–15
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The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10
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The year was 1918, near the end of World War I, and photographer Eric Enstrom was putting together a portfolio of his work. He wanted to include one that communicated a sense of fullness in a time that felt quite empty to so many people. In his now much-loved photo, a bearded old man sits at a table with his head bowed and his hands clasped in prayer. On the surface before him there is only a book, spectacles, a bowl of gruel, a loaf of bread, and a knife. Nothing more, but also nothing less.

Some might say the photograph reveals scarcity. But Enstrom’s point was quite the opposite: Here is a full life, one lived in gratitude, one you and I can experience as well regardless of our circumstances. Jesus announces the good news in John 10: “life . . . to the full” (v. 10). We do a grave disservice to such good news when we equate full with many things. The fullness Jesus speaks of isn’t measured in worldly categories like riches or real estate, but rather a heart, mind, soul, and strength brimming in gratitude that the Good Shepherd gave “his life for the sheep” (v. 11), and cares for us and our daily needs. This is a full life—enjoying relationship with God—that’s possible for every one of us.

__By: John Blase
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**Reflect & Pray
Would you say that right now you’re living “life to the full”?
Why or why not? Have you had a tendency to equate full with many things?


~~Good Shepherd, thank You for laying down Your life for me,
one of the sheep. And thank You for Your promise to provide
nothing less than the daily bread I need, both literally and figuratively.