November 21
"I have come that you may have life and that more abundantly." -Jesus in John 1:10 (NLB)
November days can sometimes leave us feeling listless as gray skies linger and leaves fall and die. Life can appear to diminish as geese fly south, darkness increases, and the morning sun arises with a chill in the air and frost on the ground. Yet Jesus promises in today's scripture that he has come to give us life and that more abundantly! How can this be we may wonder? John also says about Jesus that, "In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never overcome it."(1:4-5) Jesus does indeed give us a life that darkness can never overcome or diminish. The Greek word for life is zoe and the Greek for light is phos. John wrote his gospel in Greek and is telling us that both life and light in Jesus are intertwined, abundant, powerful, and everlasting. The life Christ gives right now is abundantly rich and full. It is eternal, yet it begins immediately. Life in Christ is lived on a higher plane because of his overflowing forgiveness, love, and guidance. He doesn't just preserve but also imparts life in rich and unfailing exuberance. What a promise! Yet it is only an echo of Christ's complete teachings. Our Lord who spoke these words is no less than "God with us".
While we may often think Jesus' primary purpose was to "save us from sin," his purpose was far greater. As we come to trust Christ does what he says, we can also begin to let go of limited thinking, despair, and negativity and enjoy a life not only of better quality but one of amazing abundance. Colors become brighter, pessimism is transformed to optimism, and each moment is expanded as we are filled with a new appreciation of the beauty of creation and preciousness of life. What a gift! We are not only made more aware of God's love but of God's absolute provision. You don't have to wait for eternal life- it begins the moment you invite Jesus to live in your heart. If you are struggling this November with despair or depression as the light begins to fade and darkness increases, don't hesitate to draw closer to Christ and ask him to give you a new life that is more abundant here and now!
Prayer: Jesus, Please be my light and life in darkness. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: Darkness never kills God's Light or Life!
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Fall Renewal (Volume 3) Paperback – August 23, 2017 by Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson (Author)
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