That They May Have Life

By Michael Pemberton

 "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." -Jesus Christ, John 10:10

 One autumn in the mid 70's (I don't recall exactly when) there was a terrific storm in the town where I lived, and I remember it clearly.

 I was awakened from a deep sleep by a crash that sounded like a couple of freight trains colliding and exploding all at once. The screeching, groaning and creaking jerked me to near perfect consciousness. I was stunned. The ceiling was ablaze with ominous flashing orange and yellow lights that filled my mind with visions of the house burning down. I ran to get my dad. It turned out to be a power transformer brought down in our backyard by a bolt of lightning.

 The next morning I couldn't wait to tell my classmates about what had happened in my backyard. But on the way to school I realized that there would be similar stories from all over town. I saw utility poles and fences torn down by the wind. A pair of ancient elm trees on 7th street that were uprooted and laid across the street looked like giants slain in battle. And my two favorite climbing trees, twin chestnuts about 40 ft. tall, were missing most of their limbs and leaves.

 I was reminded of that night again this summer when my younger brother and I went back to our old hometown after nearly 25 years away. As we walked the familiar streets and surveyed the area we knew so well as boys, my brother noticed those two chestnut trees. In a matter of fact voice he commented, "I'm surprised those trees aren't any bigger than that by now." Until he said that I hadn't realized how small they looked. I was the only one in our party who knew why they looked like young trees. See, I remember the destruction.

 All that was gone now. The healing power of life had worked its miracle once again. Scars were barely visible as bark grew over the wounds where the majestic branches were torn off. I was impressed with the idea that someone who knew nothing of the history of those trees might never guess they had been so ravaged.

 Just like that storm, sin ravages people. But Jesus came that we might have life. And not just life, but in his words, "More abundantly." Now, abundant life doesn't mean that we will never see storms or feel ravaged. But it does mean that we can be healed. Healed like those trees.

 So don't be surprised if you learn that some sweet brother or sister in Christ, who you'd least expect, turns out to be a battle hardened soldier. Likewise, if they are surprised by your history.

 Take heart if you find yourself going through a raging storm. Don’t abandon hope, even if you feel all the things that once decorated your life being stripped away, and your very heart being torn apart. Rest assured that life is not over. You have HIS promise on it. Today’s wounds will be tomorrow’s glory and even death cannot end our life.