The bible gives us some great insight into the character of the Devil. In his various teachings and parables, the Lord Jesus Christ spoke about the tricks, character, and method by which Satan operates. In the book of John 10:10, Jesus gives a brief outline of his own earthly ministry compared to that of the thief (devil). “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I come that they might have life and that they, might have it more abundantly.” Observe the sharp contrast: The devil is a thief and killer; Jesus is a giver and provider.
The God we serve is a God of abundance who gave us life (Gen: 1), and created the world with abundant resources to nourish it (Ps 24:1). Our God, Jehovah El-Shaddai, also sent his only begotten son (Jesus) to the world as the ultimate sacrifice and for the remission of our sins, if only we believe in his name and repent.
Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd, the Good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). He gave his life. This is life in abundance, indeed. The life the resurrected Christ gave to redeem the world is the type that ensures eternity for the fallen man who repents and accepts to be his sheep.
By repentance and faith in the Lordship of Christ Jesus, the sheep shows clearly that he “hears” the voice of the Great Shepherd (Heb.13:20). Jesus is the only door by which man can enter (John.10:9) into eternal life, which in this verse, is the green pasture that he mentions.
Anyone who tries to enter without Jesus is a thief. He is following “another” shepherd (Devil), whose infamous mission is to “steal, and to kill and to destroy”.
All those that are led by the evil shepherd indulge in stealing, killing and destruction as we see daily around the world. Ultimately, the ministry of the devil ends in perdition. But the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ ends with eternal or abundant life.
The devil operates stealthily or subtly, sometimes. He steals our joy, peace, and pleasure; He kills our loved ones and destroys every good thing in our life, including our marriage, children, and loved ones. But it is wise to follow the Good Shepherd (Jesus), who is the “Way the Truth and the Life”. He gives us the three greatest things anyone would desire: a way to eternity, the truth that sets us free, and the life of great abundance. This is in contrast to the devil whose three evil testaments are to steal, to kill, and to destroy. Make your choice; follow the Shepherd who gives you the three best choices: The Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Ladi Ayodeji Gospel Association, LAGA
Tel: 07064380621, 09059243004,
Email: ladiayodeji@yahoo.com
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