I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Last Sunday we discussed the story of the good shepherd. In that story Jesus makes the point twice to his audience. For Jesus, this particular understanding is of paramount importance. Anyone who listens to the voice of Jesus—that is, to the one whom the Father has declared as his Son, and the one whom the Father has sent for the salvation of the world—is a follower. In the midst of many contrary and malevolent voices, Jesus calls out to those who are his, and to those who would be his. The voice of Jesus is the only voice worth listening to, regardless how enticing or right the voices of the world may seem to be.
The idea of listening to the voice of God did not originate in this passage from John 10. In fact, from almost the very beginning, God has called upon people to heed his voice. Abraham was blessed because he listened to the voice of God. Moses was favored because he continued in obedience to the voice of God. Joshua also was commended and led by God because he submitted to the voice of God. On and on the list goes of people who heard and heeded the voice of God. In addition, there is a long list of people in scripture who did not respond to the voice of God, and the results were ultimately tragic. Restating what was written above, in the midst of many contrary and malevolent voices, Jesus calls out to those who are his, and to those who would be his. This compels a response—a response that makes all the difference in this world and in the next.
It is important for us to regularly consider the voices to which we listen, and the voices to which we heed. God consistently calls out to us, because he loves us perfectly and wants the very best for us. Enjoy him today.
–Ricky