The shepherd's voice should the one that we recognize and follow. However, there is a constant clamor that requires us to be attentive to many that would seize our attention. Isaiah tells us that God hears while Jesus contrasts his ways with the religious leaders - the thieves and robbers.
In current times, we would do well to listen to the voices of scientists and experts in the field of epidemiology. The politicians? Not so much.
Listening for the voice that truly matters is shown in Isaiah when God's people are instructed to "cry out." It is an act of faith in their God who indeed listens while the world ignores such noise with indifference. This instruction comes despite knowing that God's people are like 'withering grass and fading flowers' before the expectations of their God. The promise abides.
Jesus has just finished bashing the Pharisees in the preceding (long) story of the blind man. He isn't finished. He provides the vision of himself as the shepherd for the sheep while portraying the pretenders - the Pharisees and religious-political leaders - as thieves and robbers when it comes to caring for the sheep, seeking only their own benefit.
In the new reality of a resurrection faith, how does this shape the role and work of disciples who follow Jesus' voice, who serve in his name? Find out in the service video below.
In current times, we would do well to listen to the voices of scientists and experts in the field of epidemiology. The politicians? Not so much.
Listening for the voice that truly matters is shown in Isaiah when God's people are instructed to "cry out." It is an act of faith in their God who indeed listens while the world ignores such noise with indifference. This instruction comes despite knowing that God's people are like 'withering grass and fading flowers' before the expectations of their God. The promise abides.
Jesus has just finished bashing the Pharisees in the preceding (long) story of the blind man. He isn't finished. He provides the vision of himself as the shepherd for the sheep while portraying the pretenders - the Pharisees and religious-political leaders - as thieves and robbers when it comes to caring for the sheep, seeking only their own benefit.
In the new reality of a resurrection faith, how does this shape the role and work of disciples who follow Jesus' voice, who serve in his name? Find out in the service video below.
| 05-02-20-ff-answers.pdf |
| 05-02-20-the_voice_we_listen_to.pdf |