This Life Is For You

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly (JOHN 10:10).

When we look closely at the life of Jesus, there is something that is very obvious. Jesus did not live for Himself; Jesus lived life for others.

Furthermore, we see that Jesus gave His life for our salvation. He rose again for us. Now He lives to help us secure eternal life forever.

As we consider these things, we know that Jesus is saying, “This life is for you.”

Firstly, Jesus says, “This life is for you; I lay it down.” My father used to say that Christians sure have it hard because, after all, they killed Jesus. The truth is — He laid down His life for us (JOHN 15:13).

Secondly, Jesus says, “This life is for you; I take it up again.” He had the power to lay down His life and take it up again. Jesus is the firstfruit of all that die serving the Lord (1 CORINTHIANS 15:20-23).

Thirdly, Jesus says, “This life is for you; I will help you live it.” Jesus told us we can’t live a Christian life by ourselves when He said, “Without me, you can do nothing.” According to Galatians 2:20, He helps us by living in and through us. Aren’t you glad that He helps us be the children of God that we could never be by ourselves?

Finally, Jesus says, “This life is for you; this life is forever.” When we accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, life for us just begins. When all of this is over, we get to hear, “Well done. Enter into the joy of the Lord.”

Yes, Jesus says, “This life is for you.” And what a life it is!

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Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.

Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children  — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter  — Breanna. 

Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.