JOHN 10:27-30
27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”
THE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE
Jesus is the shepherd, the one who guides, protects, and provides for his sheep. He says that his sheep are those who follow him, because they know and recognize his voice. Jesus is telling us about himself, and about us as well. He makes promises to us, promises that no one else can fulfill. The eternal life he speaks about is not just about living a really, really long time. The life Jesus offers is life to the life, abundant life, overflowing life.
And who are we? Like sheep we are wandering through this world, looking for safety, for food, someone to follow. Every day has its share of struggles, every day has its little victories, and its defeats. Meanwhile, the shadows of life can grow, and we can find ourselves looking for answers. Why did my friend die? Why can’t a care for the people who depend on me? What’s the point of it all?
The link between Jesus and us is his voice. To hear him speak to you directly changes everything. When we recognize the one who is calling us, we respond to him; we are made for him. The voice of Jesus is the voice of love and truth, light in the darkness, giving us hope when we have nowhere to turn.
Jesus once risen from the dead begins to fulfill his promises to us. He has shown us his trustworthiness because he was willing to give up everything for us, even his life, when he died on the cross. But Jesus is the shepherd who can provide, because even death could not hold him down. The very worst has happened to him, and her overcame.
So, look at what is coming at you in this life. What is dragging you down? What is threatening? Is it someone or something? Sometimes it’s not from outside, but from inside of us that danger threatens. Are carrying around sin or shame, pain or failure? Let’s start by claiming the promise that “No one will snatch you out of his hand.” Jesus will stay connected to you, bring you back to life no matter what.
But there’s more. Not only will we overcome sin and death when we follow him, but we will also grow into the person we really want to be. We will flourish, and grow in truth and love, receiving blessing and becoming a blessing for others. Let us thank Jesus that his death and resurrection as set us free, free to receive all of the goodness he has to offer.