In the movie Forrest Gump, we hear that life is like a box of chocolates. “You never know what you’re gonna get.”
Life has its ups and downs. Not many things are guaranteed. Batters strike out. Pitchers give up the long ball. Our world has in it words like “cancer,” “failure,” “unsafe,” and “it’s over."
The uncertainty of life raises the question of whether there is anything certain. Thankfully, we do have the promise that God will care for the flock. Give your ear to the truth of God’s presence and the promise of an eternal tomorrow.
Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
John 10:25-30
Doubts and questions are realities of faith. Today’s passage is preceded with people asking who Jesus is. Is he the Messiah? Jesus in his own way answers them by describing the nature and strength of the Messiah.
The Messiah is like a shepherd whose sheep know the shepherd’s voice. The shepherd knows the sheep. The sheep follow the shepherd because in the shepherd is life and the security of life. This metaphor speaks to the Messiah being in relationship with his people. He knows them, and they know his voice. Eternal life is found being in relationship with the Messiah. The metaphor continues with this shepherd protecting the sheep. No one can snatch the sheep away from this good shepherd.
Just as a sheep can find rest, comfort, and life with the shepherd, let us find ours with Jesus the Messiah. Whatever questions or doubts we may have, Jesus’ hand is big enough and strong enough to hold them.
Jamie Mackey
Risen Messiah, thank you for a love that holds me and secures me. Amen.
Go in the assurance of God’s presence;
Go in being God’s child;
Go in the strength of God’s hand;
Go in the hope of the eternal tomorrow;
Go in the ability to speak words of life into others.