John 10:10 (NKJV)
10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
From the very beginning, God had good plans for us. In the beginning, he created the perfect garden for his children with everything they needed. Their only job was to tend the garden. It was called Paradise. They walked with God in the garden in the cool of the afternoon. They were in His presence.
The thief was in the garden posing as a serpent. He planned to steal the relationship from Adam and Eve. If he could just plant some doubt in their mind and get them to disobey God, he could break the relationship and rule over Paradise. It did not take too much convincing. Eve was an easy mark and Adam was little support. The evil one brought death into the world and destroyed what God had planned for His children. With one act, Paradise was destroyed. Adam and Eve were put out of the Garden and separated from God.
But God had another plan. You see, He always wanted great things for His most prized creation. He created Adam and Eve to rule over His creation. God would have to work things out another way. And that is exactly what he did. Way back then, God planned to redeem all of creation. He wants us to have an abundant life. He longs to give us great things. We are His masterpiece, His most prized possession. Jesus came that we could have that abundant life. Through Him, we are restored to God. We can enter back into His presence. Isn’t that what this is all about; our finding a way back into the presence of God? Isn’t that where you want to be? I know I do. Jesus has made and is making that possible. He has come that we can have life more abundantly! Praise God!
Thank You Lord, for my favorite two words, “But God”. Lord, thank You for the abundant life You have given us. Thank You that You had a plan to redeem us even when we are disobedient. Thank You that no matter the tricks of the thief, You always make a way for us to return to You. Thank You for a seat at Your table!