He Fills the Empty
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
READ John 10:1–10
Psychologist Madeline Levine noticed the
fifteen-year-old girl’s “cutter disguise”—a long sleeve T-shirt pulled
halfway over her hand commonly used by people who engage in self-harm.
When the young girl pulled back her sleeve, Levine was startled to find
that the girl had used a razor to carve “empty” on her forearm. She was
saddened, but also grateful the teen was open to receiving the serious
help she desperately needed.
The teen in some way represents many people who’ve carved “empty” on
their hearts. John wrote that Jesus came to fill the empty and to offer
life “to the full” (John 10:10). God placed the desire for a full life
in every human being, and He longs for people to experience a loving
relationship with Him. But He also warned them that the “thief” would
use people, things, and circumstances to attempt to ravage their lives
(vv. 1, 10). The claims each made to give life would be counterfeit and
an imitation. In contrast, Jesus offers what’s true—“eternal life” and
the promise that “no one will snatch [us] out of [His] hand” (v. 28).
Only Jesus can fill the empty spaces in our hearts with life. If
you’re feeling empty, call out to Him today. And if you’re experiencing
serious struggles, seek out godly counsel. Christ alone provides life
that’s abundant and full—life full of meaning found in Him.
By Marvin Williams |
In your search for significance and
excitement, what kinds of things have left you disappointed? How has
Jesus made your life full?
Jesus, as I consider the full and abundant
life You’ve provided for me, please help me resist turning from You to
things I think will satisfy me. | | | | |
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
One of the stylistic features of John’s gospel is the frequent use of the words very truly
(see, for example, John 10:1, 7). In the King James Version, the words
are translated “verily, verily” and in the English Standard Version,
“truly, truly.” These words are a transliteration of the Hebrew word aw-mane, from which we get our English word amen.
As demonstrated in Old and New Testament usage and our subsequent
usage, the word speaks of things that are “firm,” “true,” “trustworthy,”
and “faithful.” John is the only gospel where this “double amen” phrase
(twenty-five times) comes from the lips of Jesus, the One with the
title “the Amen” (Revelation 3:14). The words of the One who provides
life “to the full” (John 10:10) are trustworthy indeed.
Arthur Jackson
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