He Fills the Empty 20-11

+ 關注

TimothyProject

2021-11-19 - 329觀看次數

回應

Our Daily Bread Nov 20

He Fills the Empty / By: Marvin Williams

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

Today's Scripture & Insight:

John 10:1–10

1“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Psychologist Madeline Levine noticed the fifteen-year-old girl’s “cutter disguise”—a long sleeve T-shirt pulled halfway over her hand commonly used by people who engage in self-harm. When the young girl pulled back her sleeve, Levine was startled to find that the girl had used a razor to carve “empty” on her forearm. She was saddened, but also grateful the teen was open to receiving the serious help she desperately needed.

The teen in some way represents many people who’ve carved “empty” on their hearts. John wrote that Jesus came to fill the empty and to offer life “to the full” (John 10:10). God placed the desire for a full life in every human being, and He longs for people to experience a loving relationship with Him. But He also warned them that the “thief” would use people, things, and circumstances to attempt to ravage their lives (vv. 1, 10). The claims each made to give life would be counterfeit and an imitation. In contrast, Jesus offers what’s true—“eternal life” and the promise that “no one will snatch [us] out of [His] hand” (v. 28).

Only Jesus can fill the empty spaces in our hearts with life. If you’re feeling empty, call out to Him today. And if you’re experiencing serious struggles, seek out godly counsel. Christ alone provides life that’s abundant and full—life full of meaning found in Him.

Today’s Hymns

What are you Seeking

https://youtu.be/uCVPHzLEc24

Fill Thou My Life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a91_3VYRiZo

Scripture to Respond

Colossians 1:27

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Colossians 2:9-10

9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.

Reflection:

In your search for significance and excitement, what kinds of things have left you frustrated and disappointed? How has Jesus made your life full?

Prayer:

Jesus, as I consider the full and abundant life You’ve granted me, please help me turn to you wholeheartedly without bothering to pursue other things.

Wong Wai Tung

(Chief executive officer of The Great Wall Education Foundation) &

Sam Chow

(Administrative officer of The Great Wall Education Foundation)

The content of this article is taken from Our Daily Bread. Copyright by Our Daily Bread Ministries. Used by permission.

Reflection and prayer translated by Jenny Hung

分享和支持：

更多閱讀：