40 Days of Praise - Day 28
Day 28
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10
What do you long for? What would it take to satisfy you?
We would typically answer a question like that by saying that we need to know what area of life we’re talking about. What would satisfy us economically would be different than what would satisfy us relationally or vocationally. It would be a difficult question to answer.
Jesus warns us that the thief seeks to come between us and satisfaction. Satan is that thief, and he accomplishes his goal of deprivation by leading us away from that which cannot be stolen or killed or destroyed.
One of the great challenges of the American way of life is its constant insistence that the accumulation of economic wealth is the dream most worthy of pursuing -- the American dream. But the testimonies of those who have attained significant riches often reflect their surprise that having it all does not satisfy.
Jesus would tell us that to pursue the American dream or it’s equivalent is to set ourselves on the path of disappointment. His wisdom: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6)
Righteousness is what results when people do what’s right. Don’t think of it in terms of do I obey the speed limit or do I tell the truth on my taxes or am I faithful to my spouse. Those things matter, but they limit our thinking. Like looking through drinking straws, we’re blinded to much of what there is to see.
To do right is to show care and concern for my fellow human beings, for the earth and the creatures that inhabit it, to do today that which will not bring harm today or tomorrow. To do right is to do my part to contribute to a world where things work as God intended. Right is good.
But right is not common. The question Jesus asks is, do we long for right or do we just want things to go the way we want. The second is the American dream. The first, Jesus says, leads to satisfaction. it’s not the satisfaction of a good meal that leaves in a few hours, or the satisfaction of completing a major project, which may last for years or decades. This is the satisfaction of knowing that I have been faithful to God and have pleased Him. It’s the satisfaction of hearing Him say, well done -- a satisfaction that will last for eternity.
Jesus came to give us life to the full, which is to say, to the point of satisfaction.
And Jesus doesn’t lie and He doesn't deceive. His way is not our way, but His way leads to the destination that we truly desire.
Charles M. Butler
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10
What do you long for? What would it take to satisfy you?
We would typically answer a question like that by saying that we need to know what area of life we’re talking about. What would satisfy us economically would be different than what would satisfy us relationally or vocationally. It would be a difficult question to answer.
Jesus warns us that the thief seeks to come between us and satisfaction. Satan is that thief, and he accomplishes his goal of deprivation by leading us away from that which cannot be stolen or killed or destroyed.
One of the great challenges of the American way of life is its constant insistence that the accumulation of economic wealth is the dream most worthy of pursuing -- the American dream. But the testimonies of those who have attained significant riches often reflect their surprise that having it all does not satisfy.
Jesus would tell us that to pursue the American dream or it’s equivalent is to set ourselves on the path of disappointment. His wisdom: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6)
Righteousness is what results when people do what’s right. Don’t think of it in terms of do I obey the speed limit or do I tell the truth on my taxes or am I faithful to my spouse. Those things matter, but they limit our thinking. Like looking through drinking straws, we’re blinded to much of what there is to see.
To do right is to show care and concern for my fellow human beings, for the earth and the creatures that inhabit it, to do today that which will not bring harm today or tomorrow. To do right is to do my part to contribute to a world where things work as God intended. Right is good.
But right is not common. The question Jesus asks is, do we long for right or do we just want things to go the way we want. The second is the American dream. The first, Jesus says, leads to satisfaction. it’s not the satisfaction of a good meal that leaves in a few hours, or the satisfaction of completing a major project, which may last for years or decades. This is the satisfaction of knowing that I have been faithful to God and have pleased Him. It’s the satisfaction of hearing Him say, well done -- a satisfaction that will last for eternity.
Jesus came to give us life to the full, which is to say, to the point of satisfaction.
And Jesus doesn’t lie and He doesn't deceive. His way is not our way, but His way leads to the destination that we truly desire.
Charles M. Butler
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