A religious expert came up to Jesus and asked him a question. It was a loaded one. “How does one inherit eternal life?” He was quizing Jesus and hoping to humiliate Him in public. It didn’t work. Jesus didn’t need to hear Himself talk, so, in his usual fashion, he turned the question around and had the “expert” answer it himself.

Jesus took him back to the source, the law of Moses and asked him how he interepts it.

“Love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. And love others as you love yourself.”

“Correct. Do this and you will LIVE,” was Jesus’ simple reply.

Jesus is indicating that eternal life needn’t be postponed until some future date with death. It can begin today. Jesus is referring to living in the Zoe sense of the word — a life that is to be enjoyed, relished, experienced fully, blessed, strong, efficient and endless in the Kingdom of God.

Today is the first day of the rest of Eternity. Love God, Love Others and Live Well.

Father,

Teach me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Keep me focused on Your great love and power. May I love you energetically and with enthusiasm. Teach me to love others as much as I love myself. How often I overlook my errors; teach me to look the other way when I perceive error in others. How often I forgive myself for my mistakes; teach me to give others the same grace I give myself. I feed, clothe, and carefully maintain what I so generously allow to be mine; give me the wherewithal to do the same for others, giving away some of what I have to meet their needs. 

Then I will learn to truly live as you have designed life to be — full, abundant with blessings and brimming over with your joy.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.