Daily Devotional: Why Did Jesus Come?

 

Hey fabulous friends! Welcome back! Today, we're diving into the daily devotional, sharing a quick uplifting thought to brighten your day. 

Take a moment to reflect on John 10:7-21 in your preferred Bible translation if time allows. Otherwise, consider this passage:

"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." - John 10:10 (ESV)

The Gospel of John reveals a profound purpose for Jesus's coming: to offer us abundant life.

Unfortunately, the concept of abundance has sometimes been distorted by certain preachers into a message of excess—what's often termed as the "prosperity gospel," promising material wealth and luxury, but seemingly reserved for a select few. However, true abundance, as portrayed throughout Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, isn't about extravagance or opulence.

Scripture instead speaks of abundance in terms of God's overflowing love and provision: pouring His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:2-5), demonstrating His love by sacrificing Christ for us (Romans 5:8), and ensuring that His grace abounds to us for every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8). It's about satisfaction for the thirsty and hungry (Psalm 81:10, Psalm 107:9), and an overflowing bounty (Psalm 65:11).

From the Torah to the letters of the early church, Scripture consistently reveals God's desire for our lives to be filled with abundant joy, free from sorrow, guilt, or shame. This abundant life isn't mere sufficiency or scraping by; it's about thriving in every aspect of our existence.

Yet, the reality often falls short of this ideal. Despite Christ's promise of abundant life, many still struggle. There's no easy solution or quick fix, nor a guarantee that circumstances will change. The kingdom of God, as envisioned in heaven, hasn't fully manifested on earth. Yet, the early followers of Jesus, despite witnessing his crucifixion, experienced a resurrection that ignited their faith in God's mercy and abundance.

Today, we continue their work—striving to bring about this abundant life for ourselves and others. It's a collective effort, supported by millions of LGBTQ+ Christians and allies worldwide, all seeking and working towards a life of abundance.

Reflection Questions:

Reflect on areas where your life already reflects abundance.

Consider what changes could lighten your load.

Identify areas where you desire more abundance.

Practical Exercises:

Practice gratitude daily by listing things you're thankful for.

Capture fulfilling moments in a memory jar to reflect on later.

Engage with supportive communities and resources like Couchsurfing.com.

Seek out affirming spaces that nurture your spiritual and personal growth.

Support causes aligned with creating a more just and abundant world, such as through GoFundMe donations.

By engaging in these reflections and actions, we honor Jesus's mission—to bring us not just existence, but life in its fullest measure.

That wraps up today's devotional session! I trust this message has infused your day with positivity. If it connected with you, please show your support by liking this video and subscribing for more inspiring content. Thank you for being here today, and always celebrate your individuality! Stay well and keep a positive outlook until next time!

Footnotes:

Source: Kearns, S., & Murphy, B. (2020). "Queers the Word" - (Adapted for reflection of Jesus the Good Shepherd). Scripture: John 10:7-21

Image Title: "Blooming" Source: Midjourney’s image generation model.

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