The Abundant Life

Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). Paul wrote, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Tim. 4:2).

Jesus' abundant life message is one of an overflowing, overwhelming, overcoming life. A life that satisfies, soothes, and sustains. A life that preserves, prepares, and penetrates. "In him was life; and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4).

Many miss pleasure in this life because the ache of anxiety robs them. When we hear God's Word say, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matt. 11:28­29), do we believe?

Christ was born to a world that was bleak as any depression. Yet, he said, "Take no thought [do not be anxious] for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on" (Matt. 6:25). In verse 34 he says, "Take therefore no thought [do not be anxious] for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself."

Jesus is not saying that we should not use an intelligent and thoughtful approach concerning the future. Jesus says that a man who does not count the cost is foolish. Sincere concern and honest planning are not the same as doubt and anxiety.

First, Christ promised to be with us. "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Matt. 28:20). In the darkest nights Christ is with us. In Corinth Jesus said to Paul, "Be not afraid ... for I am with thee" (Acts 18:9­10). The abiding presence of the Savior enabled Paul to cope with the situation and not be broken by it.

Second, Christ has promised his pardon. The greatest single cause of anxiety might be unresolved guilt. Our grieving over sin has long been a cause of alarm in the body of Christ. Yet, here is the good news of the gospel: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

David wrote of his anxious moments brought about by sin. In Psalm 6:6 he penned these words. "I am weary with my groaning, all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. Mine eye is consumed because of my grief." David was drowning in his guilt. He later wrote, "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that my bones which thou hast broken may rejoice" (Psa. 51:78). And, that is exactly what the Lord did for the king and what he will do for all his repentant children.

Third, Christ has promised his provisions. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him" (Col. 1:16).

Jesus made everything. He upholds all things by the word of his power (Heb. 1:3). He can take care of us. Paul says, "I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me" (Phil 4:13). I can endure all things -overcome all things-because Jesus strengthens me through the precious promises of his unfailing Word.

Fourth, Christ has promised his purpose. Paul says, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31). Christians have a purpose. A purpose that is far beyond the normal. Through Christ we live not for this time only, but for eternity. Our purpose is to glorify God.

Fifth, Christ has promised to give peace. "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me" John 14:1). "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you" (John 14:27).

"The wicked are like a troubled sea which cannot rest." "There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked" (Isa. 48:22). We must show the world that true peace is only in the Lord and his kingdom. We walk a war­torn path outside his protection. We cannot serve God and mammon (Matt. 6:24). If our eye is single to God and his glory, then we will have rest and tranquillity. If we do not have "Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin," it is because of our unbelief We can blame no one but ourselves.

My brethren, the reason we preach the Christian life is because this is what God demands. It is also the way to reach the lost with the message of salvation. The life Christ wants to supply us with is not a dream or an illusion. It is not something that is sought but never found. Jesus said that we "can know the truth" and that the truth "shall make us free" (John 8:32).

Francis Scott Key penned these insightful words: "Nothing but Christ can give us the victory. Not 'til we believe that he is our Lord. None will be safe from evil allurements. Not 'til we believe and trust on his word."