Eternity Life

Lake Willoughby, VT

"And this is eternal life,

that they may know you,

the only true God,

and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."

(From John 17:1-11)

Lake Willoughby is the most scenic lake in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont

The Lake is surrounded by mountains on either side and fed by cold springs, giving it God's natural beauty.

God's gifts in this lake include camping, fishing, sailing, swimming, and ice skating.

For me, though, it is more than a scenic lake. As I look across the clear water, through the mountains, and up to the sky above, I am reminded of eternal life.

Jesus, however, is speaking of a different kind of eternal life.

He is not referring only to something in the future.

He is describing eternal life as something we share even now.

Eternal life is central John’s Gospel, but modern ideas confuse a richer meaning.

Jesus shows God’s love for the world desiring to draw all into God’s own eternity life, which is participation in the very presence of God.”

 “Eternity life,” as Mary Coloe explains, stresses a different kind of life, not simply a longer one.

Eternity life may also be understood as “abiding” in Jesus.

Jesus’ teaching about “eternal life,” “abiding,” and “dwelling” describes a deep, relational life of love that disciples are invited to share now, not only in the life to come.

Through God and Jesus, we receive identity as God’s children and share in that eternity life.

Abiding in Jesus is not simply waiting to leave this world behind because that life begins now in a new identity and deep relationship with God.