"The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me." (John 10: 27)
Whose voices are competing with Christ's voices for our attention today?
Why do we listen to our parents?
Why do we listen to our teachers?
Why do we listen to our government?
We listen to them because we believe we belong. The sheep that belong listen to the voice of the master.
"I have told you but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father's name are my witness; but you do not believe, because you are no sheep of mine." (John 10: 25-26)
The Gospels tell us about the words and works of Christ. We learn that the words and works of Christ form a unity. The words explain the works and the works confirm the words.
A few years ago, I was challenged by a Moslem to show from the Gospels that Jesus is God. I searched and found John 21: 28 where Thomas responded to Jesus with the words, "My Lord and my God!" But if I knew what I know today about the Gospels, I should have told him that the synthesis of the Gospel is Jesus Christ. Every word, every work goes to prove that He is God.
"Those who had scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, but hey proclaimed the message only to Jews. Some of them ….. started preaching also to the Greeks." (Acts 11: 19-20)
The exiles of the Jews created Jewish Diaspora all over the world. It was a providential environment for evangelization. The Christians fleeing from persecution in Palestine found ready places in the Diaspora where they could share the Good News. The great lesson is that God is in control of history. All things work together for good to those who love God. Trust completely in God's disposal of events.
"Let us shout out our joy and happiness, and give glory to God, the Lord of all, because he is our king." (Revelations 19: 7, 6)
What will I do if I know with absolute certainty that Christ is my king and my boss?
I will seek to serve Him with distinction and excellence. I will also trust Him to provide adequately for me.
"I am the good Shepherd: the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep." (John 10: 11)
Christ is the good Shepherd who lays down His life for me. Therefore I am precious in His eyes.
The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want.
"My being thirsts for God, the living God, |When can I go and see the face of God?
Why are you downcast, my soul; | Why do you groan within me?
Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, | My Savior and my God.
I say to God, "My rock, | Why do you forget me?
Why are you downcast, my soul, | Why do you groan within me?
Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, | My Savior and my God.
You, God, are my strength.
Why then do you spurn me?
Why must I go about mourning, | With the enemy oppressing me?
Send your light and fidelity, | That they may be my guide
And bring me to your holy mountain, | to the place of your dwelling,
That I may come to the altar of God, | to God, my joy, my delight.
Then I will praise you with the harp, | O God, my God.
(Psalm 42-43: 3, 6, 10, 12, |2-4)
"I answer you through my word." (4th Sunday of Advent – 122108)