Jesus is the Life
If you listen in on Jesus’ prayer with the Father in John 17, you’ll see in verse two an important goal of His: To give life. Of course, how we each define “life” -- or abundant life – might be considerably different. But for Jesus that answer comes in the next verse where He says life is to know God and to know Him.
Oh, to live life in which our primary goal is to know God more, better, more deeply and that we arrange – not rearrange – but arrange our days toward this goal. Grant this Lord Jesus to us all!
John 17:2-3
2 [Jesus prays...] For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Prayer
Oh Lord Jesus, how I wish to not make life about the abundance of possessions, to not make it about what pagans run after (see Matthew 6:32) -- what we're going to eat, drink, or wear. Oh, to make life about You and about Your Father – my heavenly Father. I want to experience life – life as You intend. And so I pray this in Your name, Amen
Matthew 6:32
32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 146:5-10
5 Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob
whose hope is in the LORD their God.
6 He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever.
7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,
8 the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the foreigner
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
10 The LORD reigns forever, your God,
O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD.
Micro-Meditation Action
Read the verses of the Psalm two times. Focus on what you see differently on the second reading.
Mark any words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: Talk (or write in a journal) with God about the words that catch your attention. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response.
Pondering Point
Look at the varied ways God is described as a helper in this Psalm. In what ways is He currently helping you? How are you hoping that God will help you?