There are several places in the Gospels where Jesus explicitly states the purpose of his ministry. One that comes to mind is Luke 19:10: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Another is John 10:10: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus wants to save people in order to give them an abundant life. Now, what is an abundant life? Well, whatever it is, I’m thinking it must be positive, I mean, why go to all the trouble of sacrificing yourself for humanity to deliver us from sin and death if all we are going to do is live a miserable lives? That’s what he saves us from, sin and brokenness and misery. He saves us for an abundant life: life to the fullest!
On my desk sits an icon of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. It’s there to remind me that the purpose of the leadership and Lordship of Jesus in my life and in the lives of those God has called me to lead, is to draw us into meaningful, purposeful, and joy-filled lives. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. Jesus died for everyone, but not everyone will accept what he’s offering. He wants to lead us into an abundant life, but all will not follow.
Many Christians get stuck immediately following their conversion experience. Church leaders haven’t done a terrific job of discipleship and we think that intentional and sustained spiritual growth and obedience to the leadership of Jesus is best left up to the professionals. Instead of using the word “Christian,” I’ve taken to using “Christ-follower” or “Jesus-follower” because these terms emphasize the fact that we need to follow. Jesus, the Good Shepherd declines to force himself on us. He offers to lead. We need to follow. When we do, a life that we never dreamed possible awaits. The abundant life to which Jesus calls is not a life of leisure and ease. Actually, it’s a life of challenge and even, at times, opposition, but it is the best possible life.
Is there anything keeping you from being a fully-devoted follower of Christ? Are you focussed more on difficult circumstances than on the One who has overcome all things? The Good Shepherd wants to take his rightful place as Leader (Lord) of your life. Let him.
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