“My sheep hear my voice. I know them. No one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28
Lord Jesus, thank you for each of the four profound grace-realities in today’s passage. There’s always more Gospel-goodness to be mined in every portion of your Word. There’s always more of you in every verse of the Bible—from Genesis through Revelation.
“My sheep” – Hallelujah, we are yours, Jesus. We’re no longer our own. Neither do we belong to sin and death, our past failures or present messes, the world’s chaos or the devil’s lies. We are beloved, weak, dependent sheep—under your tenacious and tender care as the Good Shepherd. There’s no place we’d rather be.
“Hear my voice” – You never give us the “silent treatment,” Jesus, and you never shame or berate us. By the Holy Spirit, 24/7, in the deepest place of our hearts, you are revealing more of yourself and the riches of the Gospel—reminding us we are washed and forgiven, your treasure and inheritance, your beloved bride and dearest friends. Turn up the volume, Jesus!
“I know them” – Far better than anybody “getting us,” you know us, Jesus—in the most intimate and caring way—the best and worse and everything else. No human being, or 17 of our favorite ones, can “know” us the way you do.
“They are ‘un-snatchable’” – With the very hand you created the cosmos and rule over everything—you hold and cherish us. Though the devil tries to pilfer us away, the world tries to seduce us away, and at times we, like Jonah, try to run away—yours is the grip of grace and you will never let go of us. You do and will, hold us fast, Jesus. Hallelujah… Thank you… and So Very Amen.