Better and Better Life
“A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” John 10:10 MSG
When we talk about the life God offers, it’s more than just what we do between the time we are born and the time we die. It’s a different way of living – it’s a God-way of living. This life is being unconditionally and fully loved. It’s walking in our identify, living out our purpose, and enjoying the wonders of God’s person. It’s having our needs abundantly met, living free from bondage and dysfunction. It’s receiving healing and miracles. It comes from a God who is merciful and good. It comes from a God who gave His Son to die for us and then raised Jesus from the dead. It comes from a God who knows your name. He is ever-present, all-knowing, and all-power. This same God is our Father who promises to give us real and eternal life, more and better life that we could ever dream of. It’s a life with God that just keeps getting better and better.
This verse makes us aware that we have a spiritual enemy that wants to steal from us, kill us, and destroy us; however, when we turn to God in humble submission, He protects us, as well as blesses us with His life. Does having this life mean we escape consequences of bad choices? Not always, but thank God for His mercy. Does it mean we never face the troubles of living in a fallen world? Not always, but thank God we can overcome challenges with His grace. Does that mean we never have to deal with difficult or dysfunctional people? No, but thank God for His unconditional love and wisdom to know what to do. Our life, in this fallen state, can be flooded with God’s fire hose of abundant life, a better life that comes from being with Him.
In other translations of John 10:10, the verse is translated as “abundant life.” In the Greek, the word is “perisossa.” This word comes from the Greek word “peri,” which means, “excess, complete beyond.” It’s a preposition with the idea that which surrounds a thing does not belong to the thing itself but is beyond it. The zoe life of God we are given is coming from God, so there is no limit to it or the blessings attached to it.
Other definitions of the word perisossa are: “more, superfluous, more abundantly, beyond measure, over and above, more than is necessary, exceeding abundantly, superior, extraordinary, surpassing. ” Remember who your Daddy is – He is able and willing to bless us to overflowing! Then remember to give and share with those in need. This is living!
Application: Do you want more of God’s abundant life? Get near to God in worship and live with an active surrender. Position yourself to receive!