Carina Francke

Scripture: John 10:10: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Nothing about life in itself is new!  From the parable of the Good Samaritan and Jesus' reference to His return as a thief in the night, we know that even since Biblical times people were tormented by crime, theft, robbers and tyrants. In today's portion of scripture Jesus describes a thief as someone whose sole purpose is to unlawfully lay claim on your property, hurt you physically and if possible, destroy you completely.

In the light of Jesus' promise, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full"   it is no wonder then that He warns us to be especially watchful in the days before His return. "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into" Matt 24:42-43).

What possessions that create a home are so important that we have to keep watch over it to ensure that they do not get swiped?

Peace:Jesus gave us His peace - not an artificial peace treaty with signatures on a piece of paper, but peace beyond our imagination, because we know He is in control (John 14:27). This kind of peace enables us to live assured, in wholeness and in peacefulness. But that's not all, it enables us to maintain calm, good and wholesome relationships with people. Hear what Paul has to say about this: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since, as members of one body you were called to peace. (Col 3:15)

If the thief succeeds in robbing the peace between us and other people, he also manages to drive his claws into "the unity of the Spirit" (Eph 4:3) amongst us. And if we don't do our utmost to safeguard this peace, it won't take long for strife and bitterness to enter our homes - a place that should be a home for the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Father thank you for the gift of Jesus' peace. Thank you that we are able to guard over it. It is for this reason I ask that You will enable me to wholeheartedly forgive those who have hurt me and caused me damage. Amen.