The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10
“Having been informed of your godly love, so well-ordered, I rejoiced greatly, and determined to commune with you in the faith of Jesus Christ. For as one who has been thought worthy of the most honourable of all names, in those bonds which I bear about, I commend the Churches, in which I pray for a union both of the flesh and spirit of Jesus Christ, the constant source of our life, and of faith and love, to which nothing is to be preferred, but especially of Jesus and the Father, in whom, if we endure all the assaults of the prince of this world, and escape them, we shall enjoy God.”
Ignatius of Antioch (c.110) in To The Magnesians 1 (Roberts-Donaldson Translation).
For his Christian faith, Ignatius was arrested in Antioch and led from Antioch to Rome to face trial (c. 105-115). He visited disciples of Jesus along the way and wrote them letters to encourage them.
These letters — to the Smyrnaeans, Philadelphians, Romans, Trallians, Magnesians, and Ephesians — are part of a wonderful collection called The Apostolic Fathers.
In his letter to the Magnesians, residents of the city of Magnesia, he describes Jesus as the “constant source” of our life who helps us “endure all the assaults of the prince of this world.”
What a generous Lord we serve! As He Himself said, the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But Jesus is the opposite of a thief. He’s our “constant source” of abundant life.
A few times whilst growing up, I saw wells drilled and bubbling. Perhaps you too have seen this? It’s amazing how a well serves as a constant source of cool, fresh water!
So where do we fit in the picture? Like the Magnesians, we get to go to the well to get water to enjoy and share. To be refreshed and to refresh others. Do it generously!
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:24-25
At GTP we pray for God to raise up monthly givers. I mentioned this yesterday and a few people responded. Can you consider serving as a constant source to refresh workers at GTP?
If you missed it yesterday, take a moment to do it today. Send $10 or $100 per month starting in January. Visit the GTP giving page to set up your monthly gift.
Your gift sends refreshment and a salute to staff who minister in hard places and live in Australia, Egypt, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Nepal, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, and USA.