Friday 24th November - 1 John 5

Today’s chapter is 1 John 5

Tom writes:

“He who has the Son has life” (5:12). Life is the shore that the love of God blows us towards. The early Christians didn’t think the word ‘life’ summed up the sheer extravagance of what was on offer so they put the word “eternal” in front of it. It pimped up the idea like golden alloys on a Bentley. But today the phrase ‘eternal life’ seems a bit religious and dry. We need to think about it again. For John “eternal life” (or just “life”) is the most exquisite and long-lasting pleasure available on this earth. It is life in all its fullness as you enter every single moment infused with the love of God. Eternal life is breakfasting in gladness for the provision of your creator who almost seems like he is sat at your table.  Eternal life is having deep and vivid friendships where you give and see them grow. Eternal life is truly understanding who we are; knowing peace while standing in a train or overflowing with joy while sitting on the toilet.

This God-fuelled life wafts us out into the world to see human potential and to give ourselves for its coming. This is what Jesus did and this is what we have in Jesus… as long as we remain in his presence. And that is what we need to fight for. There are so many voices eroding this vision of life. Some make Jesus seem dry, or aloof, or just... not quite… God. Other voices try to encourage you that “real life” is to be found in the pursuit of your passions. They tell us to idolise our comfort or our reputation or our progress. But those of us who know the Father see the falsehood in these claims. They are elevating trinkets above the treasure, they are denying the battle that is raging on the earth. We know that a life of love is not a burdensome command.  It is a rich, vibrant and verdant life full of love. A life in God is an invitation to delight. And I think it would be rude if we refused to enjoy it.

Question for reflection

Do you enjoy God? Is your life with him rich and verdant?