"The Tripod" (Part 5)

At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon. The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, "How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father's name, these testify of Me. But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one." (John 10:22-30 NASB).

I want you to picture the tripod one last time as we look at the essentials of the Christian life. There are three legs that rise about ten feet to a platform. On that platform is a swivel mounted seat. It makes for a very comfortable place above the normal line of sight as you watch for wild game to move about their trails. As I thought about that, two interesting points struck me.

 First, there must be a way to get to the seat. On the tripod there are welded “steps” on one of the legs. Without getting too “process” oriented, let me just say there are some things that you can and should do. You should be in the habit of prayer and meditation. This is the means of communication to and from God. There’s no “right” way to do this. In fact, anyway is the right way. Prayer is conversation with God. Reading the Scripture is conversation with God. One is more our talking to Him; the other is more Him talking to us. The key is doing it! Of course here are other things to be done to help in your “climb” up. But they are merely steps to the goal.

 Second, the goal is to sit in the seat. What good is the tripod if it doesn’t lead you to sit down in the seat? Imagine how silly it would be to set up the tripod and never climb up and sit down! God’s invitation to us has always been to come and sit in His lap. Remember how Jesus put it:

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:29-30 NASB).

Well, that’s the short version of how to live an abundant life! It is a journey. You will never arrive unless you begin. Have you begun the journey? Have you stumbled and quit? Come on, join me and climb on up into the tripod!