“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” ‭‭John‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭(NKJV)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Have you ever watched a movie or read a book and then the unexpected happens?

It’s that heart-pounding suspense when a sudden change in direction or a surprising twist is revealed that you didn’t see coming. It’s the moment you realize the good guy is really bad, or new information is revealed causing you to rethink where you thought the story was headed. A “plot twist” can completely change your perception of the story line. It has the potential to change the actual outcome of the story or movie.

I recently recognized that “plot twist” accurately describes our spiritual journey.

In Genesis Chapter 3, we find the first plot twist. It is here the serpent gives some new information to Adam and Eve. The serpent introduces the idea of self-focus, leading them to consider what would benefit them versus what God desired. This new information led to their ultimate rebellion against God in the Garden of Eden. In this moment of deception, Satan must have believed he had pulled a great plot twist by leading Eve and Adam in a different direction from what God desired and had planned for them.

The first portion of John 10:10 reads: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” Satan’s ploy was to steal their innocence, kill their hope, and destroy their dedication to God, as well as their intimate relationship with Him. He is continually working to derail and destroy God’s plan for humankind.

The second portion of John 10:10 reveals an even greater plot twist than the one found in Genesis 3. Jesus speaks of Himself: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

This is the ultimate plot twist, resulting in a fabulous new ending of glorious reconciliation, redemption and eternal blessing! Jesus came to kill, destroy and decimate the plot twist introduced in the Garden of Eden by the serpent. He came to earth with a divine mission in mind: to seek and save the lost and share the truth of God’s amazing grace and love so we might be set free from this broken, selfish world.

What a glorious reality we can experience when we trust Jesus with our whole being, denying self and developing an intimate friendship with the God of the universe. Joining with Jesus allows us to overcome Satan’s initial plot twist and experience the plot twist of all plot twists, the overcoming power of Jesus’ redemptive love and sacrifice.

Easter is the celebration of this ultimate plot twist. This Easter season, I choose to focus on this stunning reality as I worship the One who came on a mission to set me free from the work of the enemy. What a beautiful storyline of redemption, sacrificial love and freedom that Easter offers! Join me in seeking to draw closer to Jesus, the one who came to bring us life — not just life, but life more abundantly.

Dear God, please allow me to encounter the overcoming power and redemptive love of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for planning the ultimate plot twist that allows me to experience an abundant life and eternal blessings through the work of Your Son. I am so very grateful! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY

1 Corinthians 15:57, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (ESV)

1 John 5:4-5, “… for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (NIV)

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REFLECT AND RESPOND

What do you feel the enemy has killed, stolen or destroyed in your life?

What’s one thing you can do today to deepen your relationship with God and experience more of the abundant life He offers? Share it with us in the comments section!

© 2020 by Kathy Crabtree. All rights reserved.