John 10:22-30 (New International Version)
Here, we see Jesus strolling and talking at a place in the temple where people frequently met for conversations of faith all during the celebration of Hannukah. You can almost hear the frustration in the voices of the people talking to Jesus, "JUST TELL US, ALREADY!" They wanted to know, plainly if he was indeed the messiah they had been waiting for. It's the same frustration that I still hear at times from people, "If He is God, why doesn't He just show Himself to us, and make it easy to follow Him." The short answer is this; 1) He already has, numerous times - oftentimes we simply don't pay attention, 2) Hearing His voice is about faith and trust, and finally 3) The faith and trust required to hear His voice are worth developing, because they are things that no one, and no thing can ever take from you.
Questions to Consider
1) Has God made Himself evident to you? Have you been looking? What could you do to look, or listen?
2) What is the condition of your faith, now? How are you actively trusting Him in your life, today?
3) What impact has faith had on your life? What impact would you like it to have?
22. Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23. and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade. 24. The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."
25. Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, 26. but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30. I and the Father are one."
Here, we see Jesus strolling and talking at a place in the temple where people frequently met for conversations of faith all during the celebration of Hannukah. You can almost hear the frustration in the voices of the people talking to Jesus, "JUST TELL US, ALREADY!" They wanted to know, plainly if he was indeed the messiah they had been waiting for. It's the same frustration that I still hear at times from people, "If He is God, why doesn't He just show Himself to us, and make it easy to follow Him." The short answer is this; 1) He already has, numerous times - oftentimes we simply don't pay attention, 2) Hearing His voice is about faith and trust, and finally 3) The faith and trust required to hear His voice are worth developing, because they are things that no one, and no thing can ever take from you.
Questions to Consider
1) Has God made Himself evident to you? Have you been looking? What could you do to look, or listen?
2) What is the condition of your faith, now? How are you actively trusting Him in your life, today?
3) What impact has faith had on your life? What impact would you like it to have?
Hearing God's voice is difficult in that we seem to be so busy and really do not take time to just slow down. If we are going to trust Him and truly follow Him then we have to slow down.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate question 2 in that where I am now is not where I was last year this time. My faith has grown stronger and it's because I trust that He will do what he said He would. I'm trusting that he isn't finished with me yet and that the future will be brighter because I am willingly trusting in Him.