ZOE

Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10). In this context, the "thief" refers to false shepherds or leaders who mislead God's people.

However, the devil is seen as the mastermind behind all these deceptions, for John 8:44 calls the devil the "father of lies." Since the Garden of Eden, the devil has used lies to separate humanity from God by tempting Eve to doubt God's word.

The devil is depicted as working like a thief: quietly, cunningly, and not easily recognizable. He does not appear in frightening forms as in movies, but rather through small things that seem ordinary.

The most common example is how someone intending to attend worship can slowly lose their spiritual fervor due to oversleeping, bitterness towards other congregants, internet entertainment, or work demands. Little by little, the devil steals joy, spiritual discipline, and intimate relationship with God without us realizing it.

The thief's purpose is not only to steal, but also to kill and destroy. The devil wants to destroy important areas of human life, such as husband-wife relationships, families, and relationships among believers. With this, we would no longer have hope and a future.

Destruction is something that still exists in form but loses its function and meaning. A married couple who still live in the same house but live without love, sleep in separate rooms, and only communicate through their children is one example of such destruction.

However, the second part of John 10:10 brings great hope. Jesus came so that people may have life in abundance. Abundant life is not merely sufficiency of needs or material wealth.

The abundant life Jesus spoke of comes from the Greek word "Zoe," which is the divine life that originates from God Himself. The same word is used in John 3:16 concerning eternal life and in Jesus' statement as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).

Zoe is life that provides restoration, hope, strength, and true identity. This life does not depend on external circumstances or moods, but works from within the heart of the believer.

Zoe enables a person to maintain peace and joy even in the midst of suffering, loss, and death.

Zoe also emphasizes the importance of having a vertical relationship with God and a horizontal relationship with fellow believers. Spiritual life can grow through prayer, reading the Word, and fellowship with other believers, as shown by the 120 believers who were in one accord awaiting the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem.

We must realize that Jesus is present for everyone, regardless of profession, age, or life circumstances. Jesus sacrificed His life so that everyone could receive Zoe, which is a full, meaningful, and abundant divine life in the Lord.

Jesus ABANDONED His life so we can have an ABUNDANT life.

The Lord Jesus blesses you.