Originally published Tuesday, 22 March 2016.
Once again, we find ourselves in the midst of Holy week. It’s a beautiful time for reflection as we think of the cross and its power of grace in our lives. Jesus paid the price, and there is liberty in His wounds. I don’t deserve it, but I’m so very grateful for it.
Throughout this week, I’ve had one particular passage of scripture in mind:
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
Jesus, the good shepherd, gave His life for me that I might have an abundant life. And so I’m forced to reflect and ask myself this question:
What am I doing to live an abundant life?
For me, an abundant life doesn’t mean comfortable and prosperous. It means serving others and living abundantly in the purpose I’ve been given. On Sunday, my pastor said this in regards to the church the Lord has given him to shepherd:
“We are a movement of people who are radically involved in reaching beyond these walls with the great commission. Perhaps we can be the people God uses.”
-Pastor Russ Horne.
All week those words have been playing on repeat in my mind: Perhaps we can be the people God uses. And in being the people God uses, we will live abundantly within the beauty of His death, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of the Father.
If nothing else, I want to challenge you this holy week to think about your life, and ponder if you’re living abundantly within the freedom He died to give you. Listen, none of us can ever repay Him or do enough to equal what He did for us, but He doesn’t expect that. The Lord’s brother James, in his book, says, “But He gives more grace…” (See James 4:6)
Oh, friend, He’s always pouring out grace for us. The least we can do is trust Him, love others, and live abundantly within His beautiful promises.
- He knew your name when He drew His final breath on the cross.
- He knew your name when He arose in the tomb.
- He knows your name now!
You’re enough for Him. Now go live abundantly in His name.
Love,
Jennifer
To read about the great commission, see Matthew 28:16-18
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/thanasus
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