A Friend Who Makes Me Immortal
by Fr. David M. Knight
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops, Doctors
Lectionary No. 205
1John 2:22-28; Psalm 98; John 1:19-2
This is the promise he made us: eternal life. 1John 2:25
Does that promise make you feel like singing out, “All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God!”? Do you wake up every morning rejoicing you are going to live forever?
We may appreciate Jesus most for giving us eternal life. He said his purpose in coming to earth was “that they may have life… to the full!” (John 10:10).
In Scripture the words “eternal life” appear only in the New Testament, where they appear 43 times. John was emphatic about it:
God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life... I write these things… so you may know you have eternal life (1John 5:11).
Only God’s life is eternal, without beginning or end. The “grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” is the favor of sharing in God’s own unlimited life.
God’s life is knowing and loving himself. Eternal life is enjoying forever the intimate union of knowledge and love that is the life of the Father, Son, and Spirit
This is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:3).
Friendship is interaction. Interact with Jesus to share in his friendship with the Father and Spirit forever.
ACTION: Remind yourself—waking, working, and retiring—that Jesus has given you eternal life.
PRAYER: “Lord, be with me. Let me be with you—forever.”
Reflections brought to you by the Immersed in Christ Ministry
