My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. (John 10:27-29)
We live in a culture of hyper-communication. We are bombarded incessantly with verbiage (written and spoken). There are “news” channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram – and much more. Everyone is an expert. Everyone knows what is right. Those who get or take the most “air time” (speaking the loudest, the most frequently, or most “cleverly”) capture the minds and hearts of multitudes. And what is the result of this cacophony of voices? Greater confusion, unrest, and disunity. Anything but a sense of hope, security, and peace – all of which are promised by Jesus, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves.
In this and the previous passage, Jesus clearly expresses his love for us. He shares his life, and all it entails, with us. Peace, security, and stability are ours in him. But we need to listen to him. He needs to be the one we pay the most attention to. His is the voice we need to seek. His is the voice we need to believe. His is the voice we can trust to know the truth, which begins with knowing him, who is the eternal embodiment of truth.
Important questions we must ask ourselves, especially at a time when so many voices are calling, no, shouting, out to us, are: “Whose voice am I listening to? Whose voice am I seeking out? Whose voice am I relying on?” The answer to these questions can determine whether we will experience peace, safety, and even joy as we navigate life’s challenges.
Dear Lord, help us hear your voice. Help us yearn for it; keep our ears attuned to it and follow it with faith, hope and courage, wherever it leads us. For we know we can trust you to be with us at all times and in all things. Amen.
By Randy Bloom
Very timely and wise advice. Jesus is the lighthouse that guides us to the safe haven in the sea of vociferous confusion. May we all listen to THE voice AND follow!
Hi Randy, I appreciated this message. I have found that taking a leisurely walk in a nearby park or simply sitting alone on the front porch [without a smartphone to distract] can help to hear the still small voice that leads to the peace that passes all understanding. A little classical music before retiring can be an inspiring way to end the day. Finally a “thank you Lord,” may be your last thought before drifting off to sleep and hearing His final words, “No. Thank you my child.”
Luke 9:35 “A voice came from the cloud, saying,’This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”
Mark 7:14 “Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, ‘Listen to me, everyone, and understand this.”(NIVUK).
Thanks for your message, the bible clearly confirms what you have written.
Thanks Randy. The noise you mention distracts me and I become anxious. Turning to Jesus and receiving his peace enables me to face the “fear” and accept life on God’s terms.