"It was back in 1966 when England last won the World Cup. Yet I can still remember the moment. As children, we were watching the match on a black and white television set. We could never get a very good picture; it was always fuzzy and going into lines. We were quite happy with it since we did not know anything different. One day, we discovered all it needed was an aerial! Suddenly we found that we could get clear and distinct pictures. Our enjoyment was transformed.
Now, not only do we have colour television, we can get high definition (HD). There are no fuzzy lines, or distortions, and it produces a richer, bolder and more vibrant picture than ever before.
Ed Young’s book, High Definition Living, uses this analogy to describe the contrast between mere existence and the kind of life that Jesus speaks about.
There are two Greek words for life. The word ‘bios’, from which we get the word biological, means ‘earthly life’. It is the condition of being alive rather than dead. And ‘zoe’, which is used in the New Testament passage for today, means ‘the fullness or richness of life’ – the ‘supernatural life belonging to God and Christ’ which you will receive in the future, but which you can also enjoy here and now.
Proverbs 11:19-28
Follow the path of HD life
The book of Proverbs sets out two paths: one leads to ‘death’ (v.19b); the other leads to ‘life’ (v.19a). The path that leads to death is the path of evil (v.19b), perversity (v.20a), wickedness (v.21a), meanness (v.24b), hoarding (v.26a) and trusting in wealth (v.28a).
The path that leads to life is for those who are righteous (v.19) and blameless (v.20). As we read this through the lens of the New Testament, we thank God for the righteousness he gives us by faith in Jesus Christ.
In this passage we see a description of what this life is like. It is not mere existence. It is high definition living. It means enjoying God’s delight (v.20b). It is a life of freedom (v.21b). It ‘ends only in good’ (v.23).
When you are generous, you are ‘enriched’. When you ‘refresh’ others, you are ‘refreshed’ (v.25).
This does not mean that life is without its difficulties, challenges and suffering. But ultimately, you will be crowned with blessing (v.26b). You will find goodwill(v.27a) and will ‘thrive like a green leaf’ (v.28b).
Lord, thank you that you give me the righteousness of Christ by faith and put me on a path that leads to life. Thank you that you delight in me and that in the midst of all the troubles of life you promise me freedom, refreshment and blessing."
1. Yes, Lord, that promise of freedom, refreshment, and blessing, thank You.
2. You continue to grace the workplace with people, Lord. Thank You.
3. Thank You for a life that brings excitement and color.
