Life Defined!

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].
JOHN 10:10 AMP

Two masters, two different journeys, two different destinations. There is no middle ground, no demilitarized zone, where you could sit down, pause and catch your breath. There is a war going on over every life on earth, and the war has eternity as its end point. Both masters will seek to pull you to his side, and both tell you what to expect both in the now and at the end of the warfare. Then, you must decide.

Each master has stated his manifesto. When you call anyone a thief, what else would be his mandate? He comes to steal away anything that will do you good, or keep you on the right path. Just like the parable of the sower, before the seed can do much good, the birds come to eat it. Even when it struggles to germinate, the cares and worries, as well as trials will take away the seed. That's the lifelong assignment of the thief. Don't forget that both masters have an eternal plan: the thief wants to make sure that he kills and destroys ultimately. When he has stolen the good, and broken down the defences, he swoops in to take the life.

The Master of life, who's speaking here, refers to himself as the good Shepherd. He feeds the flock, leads them out, provides shelter, comfort and protection. At no time, irrespective of present location of the sheep, are the sheep ever away from the watchful eye of the Shepherd. He says he has come so that they may have and enjoy life. That is in the immediate. Most times, we keep our eye on heaven, forgetting that we were built and planted for impact here on earth. As I focus on heaven, I must remember that God's promise is that I have and enjoy life here on earth. It doesn't mean that trials will not come. It doesn't mean that times will always be easy; one thing is sure: I'm always under the watchful and we eternal care of the one called the Shepherd.

The now and the end is eternity. Whichever side of the divide you are on, there is really no end of your journey. Life will continue on either side of eternity. When this present phase ends, another will start. I had better be sure that I am in the right sheep fold, and under the care of the right shepherd. Keep this in view: it will not end here, but the NOW will determine the eternal destination. His time of favour is here.