Steal, Kill, and Destroy

Jan. 18

Read: John 10:7-21

Steal, Kill, and Destroy

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” - Jesus (v.10)

The devil has only one end goal: DESTRUCTION. As far as humans are concerned (the “sheep”) the goal of the enemy is to “steal, kill, and destroy”. The accusations and deceptions of the enemy (the “thief”) are designed to “steal” us… to carry us off… to “rob us” of the truth of the Lord and our birthright and position in Christ. The work of the enemy is seeking to “kill” the image of God within us. This accusation and deception leads us to sin, which in and of itself leads to death: “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 6:23) Sin is nothing short of death… sometimes its a slow death… and sometimes it happens quickly… but it is ALWAYS death.

This is the COMPLETE OPPOSITE of Christ. Jesus says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” This is Christ’s goal for his people. This is what Jesus makes possible. Notice how it says, “that they may” have abundant life. Jesus creates the potential for abundant life - not a guarantee. We have the capacity to waste our lives or make decisions that create strife and difficulty - after all “…each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 1:14,15) It is true that we will face trials and difficulties in this world, but that does not change the fact that Jesus came to bring “abundant life”. To characterize Jesus’ goals for his “sheep” as wanting them to suffer, be miserable, and trudge through life is simply not biblical. The enemy is the one that brings destruction…that celebrates sin which leads to death; the “good shepherd” brings fullness of life.

We will never walk with Jesus or follow his voice if we are not convinced of his “goodness”. If we do not trust these words… this truth about the character and nature of Jesus… then we will not trust the shepherd to lead us. These words of “abundant life” are not some sort of “health and wealth” caricature, they are the very words of Christ. Part of the secret is that even in the midst of life’s difficulties, Jesus is holding out “abundant life”. Even in times of scarcity, Jesus is extending to his sheep “abundant life”… he is making abundant life possible no matter what our situation or station in life. This is one of the mysteries of the good shepherd, that no matter the circumstance he brings joy and life to his sheep. As singer and songwriter Jess Ray says, “it may be too good to be understood but its not too good to be true!” Satan is trying desperately to claim that Jesus wants you to have an “empty”, boring, and miserable life… don’t take the bait! Love you guys. - JDP