Life to the Full: More Than Waiting for Heaven

"I am the ... life” - Jesus John 14:6

I don't know about you but when I see a statement by Jesus like the one above - "I am the life," my mind immediately thinks about eternal life. Through faith in Jesus we are guaranteed to live eternally with him. 

However, the more I have meditated and reflected on this verse I have come to the conclusion there is so much more to Jesus statement: "I am the life" than simply a focus on eternal life. In John 10, Jesus talks about being the gate to the sheepfold. He stands in the gap so the sheep are protected from thieves who may come at night to steal them. During the day he allows the sheep out to  graze and drink water. And what does he say about this? 

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b

For the sheep, the sheepfold is a safe place at night after a wonderful day of grazing in the meadows and drinking from the refreshing streams. When Jesus talks about being "the life" it is not his intention that the sheep stay huddled in the sheepfold under his protection waiting for the end of life to come and for a future life to be amazingly good. No! No! He intends our life here on earth to be fulfilling and fruitful. In John 16 Jesus acknowledges:

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

The sheep face danger and potential trouble while grazing in the meadows. They may contract a disease from something they eat. They may break a leg by stepping in a crevice. The sheep would never consider giving up the pleasure and necessity of eating grass and drinking water for fear that something terrible might happen if they venture out of the sheepfold. 

It is really a matter of perspective. We can focus on our trials and troubles, and there will be many, or we can focus on having an abundant and full life here and now. 

Let's also not forget Jesus left us with an assignment and a promise. His assignment - "Go and make disciples." His promise - "I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

Pulling all these thoughts together leads me to the conclusion that Jesus intends us to have a wonderful, fulfilling life while we are living on earth. When we face trials and struggles He is with us helping us to cope and overcome. The abundant life is best experienced when we are engaged with him in making disciples, and the best is yet to come.