The “I” of Jesus

Today, we’re going to dive headlong into the depths of a philosophy that is our society’s cancer. It is the philosophy of nihilism (/ˈnīəˌlizəm,ˈnēəˌlizəm/) – a short name for a long process of destruction.

According to “The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy,” Nihilism is the belief that all values are baseless and nothing can be known or communicated. It is often associated with extreme pessimism and a radical skepticism that condemns existence.

While few philosophers claim to be nihilists, nihilism is often associated with Friedrich Nietzsche, who argued that its corrosive effects would eventually destroy all moral, religious, and metaphysical convictions and precipitate the greatest crisis in human history.

Western culture has accepted hopelessness and destruction. Most people cannot articulate what philosophy they embrace, but you can be sure that woven into their belief system is nihilism, even if they are Christians.

Nihilism in Action

If you use video streaming services, you may have noticed how many movies feature death, destruction, or an apocalyptic theme. These themes are based on nihilism. The last hit single Johnny Cash had before he died was “Hurt,” a song written by Trent Reznor and originally recorded by Nine Inch Nails. It opens with, “I hurt myself today, to see if I still feel.” That’s nihilism.

The Cure

The cure for nihilism is found in a firm statement by Jesus:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

John 10:10 ESV

The thief comes – the thief’s philosophy fits nicely with nihilism. But all of that foolishness is exploded by the “I” of Jesus.

• “I am the gate for the sheep” [John 10:7]
• “I am the good shepherd” [John 10:11]
• “I know my sheep and my sheep know me” [John 10:14]
• “I lay down my life for the sheep” [John 10:15]
• “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen [Not the Jews in heathen lands, but Gentiles]” [John 10:16a]
• “I must bring them [other sheep] also.” [John 10:16b]
• “I have authority to lay it down [My life] and authority to take it up again.” [John 10:18]

True Peace is in the “I” of Jesus

I am so profoundly thankful to be one of Jesus’ sheep, for the “I” of Jesus came into my life and now watches over me. That is true peace and the foundation for an abundant life.

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Photo by R. Swafford, Pexels