Life in all its fullness

I remember my great Aunt Vera telling me about her nursing career. She had many anecdotal truths to tell and one in particular stuck in my mind. ‘Always check that your patient is breathing’ she told me. This may seem obvious, but it’s true. Good nursing care’s of little value if your patient’s dead. Sometimes we have to resuscitate a patient before nursing care is able to be given. Afterwards our care is very supportive, but later, as the patient gains strength, we provide instruction about steps to take towards recovery and a healthy life. The patient may need to make life style changes. These changes may be small or large, depending on the patient’s condition.

Unlike the nurse who needs to check if a patient’s alive, Jesus knows all about us. He wants to give us life in all its fullness (John 10:10). Jesus said ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ (John 11:25-26). Jesus not only brings us back to life He gives us eternal life.

Then, like hospital patients, Christians need to be discipled. The walk of a disciple is often slow and a lot of healing is needed in order to walk strong and secure. Just like the patients who need to change their life style, the journey of disciples requires self discipline and perhaps a re-ordering of priorities. But the rewards far exceed the time spent. Praise the Lord for He has made a way for us.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank You for loving me so much that You gave Your life for me. I invite You to be Lord of every aspect of my life. Lord, teach me Your ways so that I might come to know in greater measure than before Your power and presence in my life. Amen.