And Then There is Always that Pesky “Thief”

The Greek word used in the original text for thief is: Kleptes. Using it as a root word, we get the words kleptomania and kleptomaniac. According to the NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon, kleptes means:

1. an embezzler, pilferer
2. the name is transferred to false teachers, who do not care to instruct men, but abuse their confidence for their own gain

Look again at number two. Though it would be easy to express thief simply as a “wolf,” Jesus was going for a clearer understanding of what he’d come to offer.

The teachers of the day were not fully leading their “flock” in the true ways of God. They talked a good talk when it came to religion, but little to nothing when it came to relationship. Jesus had referred to them as “wolves” in Matthew 7:15. Jesus, as a rabbi and as the Good Shepherd, wanted to show his followers—those who heard and recognized his voice—that which another shepherd had learned and had taught them through his writings a millennia before.

The Lord is my shepherd, David wrote in Psalm 23. I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

This is life abundant. It’s not perfect. It’s not free from danger or from those who would want to steal it from us. But it is a good life when we fully trust the Good Shepherd to lead us along those paths carved into the hill of life for us.

So Why Don’t We Get on the Bus…

…or eat from the tables on cruise ships? Why do we sweat in the heat and humidity, trudging along to our destination while nibbling on crackers and cheese?

Maybe the false prophets are at it again. These days the truth is often veiled, making it difficult to know for sure how we’re supposed to live. If we’ve been blessed monetarily we are made to feel guilty by some who have not. If we’ve found those sweet shelters where we can rest and laugh and have joy in the Lord, we’re told we’re wrong, that this is a solemn thing, this life of a Christian. If we raise our hands and clap while singing praise and worship to our Lord, we’re told we’re being sacrilegious. We disagree on the number of instruments that can be played to honor the King and which arts are acceptable to him.

We trudge. We sweat. We starve. And we think this is the way God would have it while we are here on earth. But if we look back at the scripture just once more we’ll see the truth:

Life, Jesus said. To the full.

Life. Zoe (Gk).  The absolute fullness of life. A life real and a genuine life. Full of vigor and devoted to God. A life meant to go on forever.

Think about that with me and I’ll see you on the bus…or at the table. Bon voyage and bon appetite.

Eva Marie Everson is the author of a number of works such as Oasis, her recently released title from Baker/Revel. A seminary graduate and student, she speaks on a number of topics and can be reached by going to www.EvaMarieEverson.com. 
Photo, taken along a Judean hillside, by Eva Marie Everson