“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” – John 10:10

This week in our country we experienced a horrible tragedy when children were blatantly murdered as they went about what they thought would be a normal day…as I typed that sentence, I wondered if today’s devotion would be too tied to the context of this week and not relevant months from now. But I quickly (and sadly) realized that sentence will continue to be relevant until the day Jesus comes back. We continue to be shocked by this kind of evil, but this kind of evil has been around throughout all centuries in the midst of all cultures. From the child sacrifices of the ancient world to our modern-day mass shootings, Satan continues to prowl around looking for people to devour.

Why is this true? Why do these things never change? Jesus gives us a very simple and clear answer to why this is…but it is an answer that the world laughs at, and Christians seems to ignore; wonderful life is ONLY found in Jesus Christ. As long as someone is pursuing any kind of life outside of Christ, that life will lead to death, loss, and destruction. It doesn’t matter how “harmless” that life might seem to the rest of the world, living contrary to God’s design for mankind will only result in pain for everyone involved. Sin kills, and the only rescue from sin is Jesus. Until we recognize that, repent, and turn to him, nothing will ever change. He is the ONLY way!

Almighty God, we are a sinful, rebellious, and broken people. We are so undeserving of the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Please keep us from the mistake of thinking we can somehow solve our sin problem on our own. Teach us to lead our world to Jesus…the Way, the Truth, and the Life…so that we can be restored to You through Him.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon