The Voice of the Lord

S - "That winter, Jesus was in Jerusalem for the Temple Festival.  One day he was walking in the part of the temple known as Solomon's Porch, and the Jews gathered all around him. They said, "How long are you going to keep us guessing? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly!" Jesus answered: I have told you, and you refused to believe me. The things I do in my Father's name show you who I am. But since you are not my sheep, you don't believe me. My sheep know my voice, and I know them. They follow me, and I give them eternal life, so that they will never be lost. No one can snatch them out my hand.  My Father gave them to me, and he is greater than all. No one can snatch them from his hands, and I am one with the Father." John 10 TS

O - Jesus is questioned by the religious as to his actual identity.  There's no doubt that they'll be lining up what he might say with their understanding of the Scriptures.  His answer was not about what he was saying but about what he was doing.  Without a spoken word the communication from heaven as to his identity was clear and unmistakable; and remains so to this very day.  Later in the same conversation Jesus will say "If I don't do what my Father does, you should not believe me.  But if I do what my Father does, you should believe because of that, even if you don't have confidence in me." Earth wants to argue about words.  Heaven sent the Word … the message, the good news: Jesus. He is still speaking to his sheep … sheep from different pens which he is bringing together.  

A -  Human beings, the experts tell us, communicate with a ratio of 10% verbal and 90% nonverbal. Recent studies reveal the breakdown is more specifically 55%nonverbal, 38% tone in the voice and 7% the actual words. Think of that … only 7% words for communication on the human plain.  Since God made humans how do we think he communicates with them?  The Lord's voice is not limited to words but is clearly expressed with his presence and activity.  This is the voice his sheep know and how the Good Shepherd communicates. The Lord's voice is more than words.  He communicates with us the way he made us … 90 - 10. While I am grateful for every word, I am so glad to be hearing his voice beyond words.  

P - Lord who speaks,

Thank you for wanting to communicate with the whole world, not just the religious world or the Christian world but with all … you love, you came for, the entire world.  You are the message to all people and all times and in all places and cultures.  You lead, I follow. Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening.

I love you back,

Steve