God With UsSample

The Gospel according to John

GOD IS WITH US TO GIVE US LIFE

The Gospel according to John begins with a poetic description of who Jesus is. In his inimitable style the apostle declares that Jesus is God and that every created being has been given life through Him. He goes on to say that in Him was life and that life and light are the life for all mankind. (John 1:4) He uses the word “light” to better describe who Jesus is in his epistle and writes that if we say we are in fellowship with Him and yet walk in darkness we don’t live out the truth.(1 John 1:6). Jesus is therefore the bringer of light and the giver of life. 

Light, in our world, is the primary ingredient necessary for all life. Plants need sunlight for photosynthesis so that they can produce food, which is what we consume. The same process of photosynthesis generates oxygen which is all-important for us human beings. Without light, the earth would be a dank and dark place, completely devoid of life. Light and life go together in the natural world, how much more so in the spiritual. Jesus brought light to a desperately dark world and has changed millions of lives. He didn’t just breathe life into us at birth causing us to live but He brings us fresh life when we are born again through Jesus. He came to change people’s hearts, renew their minds, and transform their lives. Having God with us must cause our lives to be different than when we didn’t know him.

We have all heard the old proverb which says “The proof of the pudding is in the eating” likewise, the proof of having God with us at all times is in how our lives look to a watching world. If Christ lives in us and us in Him, shouldn’t our lives be a viable demonstration of who He is and what He is about? 

In John 10 verse 10, Jesus talks of how the enemy, the devil, comes to steal, kill, and destroy but how He (Jesus) has come to bring abundant life. This abundant life is the living proof of a God who is ever present and all involved in our lives. An abundant life is not necessarily one filled with riches, success, or influence. It is one that finds peace in the midst of turbulence, joy in the setbacks, and purpose amidst the pain. It’s a life that will have the scent of Christ on it so that whoever encounters us will see Him first and then us. It’s a life that will evoke questions and open the door for deeper conversations of a life founded on faith. It’s a life that will have purpose beyond our lifetime impacting generations to come.

May our lives speak louder than our social media posts of who Christ is to us. May our lives speak louder than what popular culture portrays as the truth. May our lives speak louder than the lies the enemy has confused our generation with. Our lives may be the only Bible someone may read so how we live matters, irrespective of what we do or where we are right now in life. 

This advent may we ask God to breathe fresh life into us so that as we step into a new year we are refreshed and restored to take new ground, occupy fresh territory, conquer giants, and emit the fragrance of Christ to whomever we meet, even if it’s for just a minute. 

Prayer: 

Dear Lord,

I thank you for sending Jesus to be with us. I thank you for the Holy Spirit who keeps instilling fresh faith in me and steering my heart toward you. Forgive me of any selfishness or pride. I pray that I would live my life for you and for your glory alone.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.