Loving God, you bring light into darkness and life where there is death.  By the power of your Spirit, lead us into abundant life this day, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

            The most striking verse in today’s gospel seems to be the last one: [Jesus says,] “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (Jn. 10:10).  On the one hand we have stealing and killing and destroying, and on the other hand, we have abundant life – which is why Jesus came.  However, what does abundant life actually look like?  We can find plenty of examples in creation, but what does it look like for human beings?

         There may be any number of things that come to mind for us as we think about abundant life.  Some might think about having lots of everything, like food and drink and clothing and possessions and money.  Some might imagine lots of laughter and dancing and partying.  Some might think about having lots of family and friends.  And, some might think about resurrection and eternal life.  Whatever it is that we might imagine, today’s readings give us a glimpse of the kind of abundant life that Jesus brings.

         All of Psalm 23, which we are singing in several different forms today, is like an illustration of what Jesus promises (sundaysandseasons.com).  In the Psalm, we receive the nourishment that we need, a restoration of our life and passion, protection from evil and fear, and guidance to follow the right path.  All of these things come from our relationship with the Shepherd, who provides all that is needed and showers us with goodness and mercy.

         While there are still dark valleys, and enemies, and the valley of the shadow of death, God our Shepherd walks with us all the days of our lives.  We are anointed with oil as we are set apart for ministry in our baptism, and an overflowing cup of blessing is offered to us at the table.  This relationship with our Shepherd begins during life on this earth, and, because of Jesus, stretches into eternity.

         Another image of abundant life comes to us in our first reading today from Acts.  While there are presumably other sheep present in the Psalm, the community is more visible in Acts.  In this case, abundant life is experienced in prayer and fellowship and worship and breaking bread together.  The believers pool their resources so that everybody has enough, and they live with glad and generous hearts, praising God.  The Holy Spirit is active through them and among them, leading others to come and join them, confessing their faith in Jesus.

         As for those things that steal and kill and destroy, there seem to be far too many these days.  There are things like drugs and gangs – that steal our loved ones, kill people, and destroy people’s lives.  There are diseases and mental health issues that do the same thing.  War and tyrants steal and kill and destroy people’s lives.  And then there are the more subtle things that just suck the life right out of us.

         In the midst of any or all of these things, we are invited to look to Jesus.  His presence is life-giving rather than death-dealing, and he is “the shepherd and guardian” of our souls (1 Pet. 2:25).  While Jesus does not promise to remove all difficulties or suffering or pain, he does promise to walk with us, giving us his Spirit as a companion and an advocate on our journey through this world.

         At the same time, however, we continue to encounter both situations and people that seek to draw us away from Jesus – thieves and bandits, if you will.  Sometimes this might be things that take a whole lot of time and effort, but don’t really matter in the end.  Sometimes this might be people who try to draw us away from spending time in prayer and in worship.  Sometimes this might even be ourselves – trying to handle everything all by ourselves, and never seeking out God’s direction or our brothers and sisters in Christ.

         In the end, we are encouraged to stick with Jesus, following where he leads, spending the time to know him better, and going to God in prayer for all that is needed.  While we might be tempted to look elsewhere for fulfillment, only Jesus provides life that is not only abundant, but eternal.  This is true whether we are in the midst of particularly difficult times, or in the midst of a life that seems full of abundance.

         Let us, then, look to Jesus – the shepherd and guardian of our souls and the one who brings abundant life.  For, Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!  Amen.

Easter 4(A)                                        John 10:1-10

April 30, 2023                                   Psalm 23

St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church  Acts 2:42-47

Pastor Lynne Hutchison                 1 Peter 2:19-25

© 2023 Lynne Hutchison  All Rights Reserved