John 10:1-10 (NRSV)
Read John 10:1-10 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 10"Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. Verse 2The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. Verse 3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. Verse 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. Verse 5They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers." Verse 6Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. Verse 7So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. Verse 8All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. Verse 9I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. Verse 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
Devotion
Have you heard the voice of Jesus today? We hear the voices of talk radio in the car. We hear the voices of Hollywood when we watch movies or television. We hear the voices of opinion writers in the newspaper. We hear the voices of bloggers on the internet. We hear those voices and more, seemingly every day. But have we been hearing the voice of Jesus?
Jesus talks about those who follow him because “they hear his voice." We all want to follow Jesus. To know the fullness and joy of that journey it is important for us to make intentional time to pay attention to that life-giving voice. As we practice solitude and silence, read and reflect on the scripture, engage in various forms of prayer, take sabbath time, live in community, worship and engage in other life-giving activities, the voice of Jesus engages us in wonderful ways.
Prayer
Lord, in the midst of our busy lives, help us make time for you today. Your voice fills our lives with grace and truth. Let us hear your voice and follow you. Amen.