DON'T GET ROBBED!
12th Jun 2013
Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
I had been listening to the radio, which was reporting an increasing amount of illness and disease in our nation. The general level of stress is growing, causing depression and other psychological disorders. Fear and anxiety are on the increase, again having a very destructive effect on many. Also, there are statistics of an increasing suicide rate, particularly amongst young men, indicating growing hopelessness.
This started me thinking about the legacy that Jesus left to all those who believe in Him. In the verse already quoted, He said that He had come that we may have life and have it more abundantly. We do not need to be dominated by the effect of stress, anxiety and hopelessness.
In John 14:27 there is the legacy of peace - “Peace I leave with you; my peace a give you. I do not give as the world gives....” The world seeks to rob us of peace which is the birthright of every believer.
In John 16:22 Jesus speaks about the legacy of joy - “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” Jesus was about to die and the disciples would grieve, but as they met the resurrected Jesus that joy would be restored - never to be taken away.
Hebrews 6:17-20 in The Message says, “When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee - God cannot break his word. We who have run for our lives to God have every reason to grab this promised hope with both hands and never let go.”
We have an inheritance of peace, joy and hope. We can live in peace and joy every day, which incidentally, will make us more healthy. We have a future because God’s promises never fail, our destiny is secure both here and beyond the grave.
Rejoice! Don’t let the devil rob you of your inheritance!
by Charles Sibthorpe
