John 10:27-28 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”

Thinking about it, Jesus was here very explicitly stating that He was the Christ, so those in opposition to Him indeed had every reason to accuse Him of blasphemy. The only problem with that accusation was that He was indeed the Christ, and everything He said was absolutely true! The level is certainly very different, but a very similar thing is going on right now with Donald Trump. Most of the indictments he has experienced are for his saying and acting on things that I, and many others, believe to be true. I certainly do NOT consider him to be a “Christ figure,” but the judicial parallels are actually striking. All that aside, what Jesus said here was doubtless a great comfort to the believers as they were persecuted and martyred in the days and years after His resurrection and ascension. We’ve got to remember that the physical, the material, is just for a moment, and we have far better to hang onto. Better than that, Jesus is hanging onto us! Paul didn’t hear Jesus say this, but He knew it in his spirit: “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12)

I have this assurance myself, which is why I have no fear of death, to the shock of some with whom I talk. It certainly makes me much more relaxed about medical procedures of all sorts! My ambition in life is to do exactly what Jesus says here: recognize His voice and follow obediently. Part of what He has for me to do is to teach others to do the same, and I have another opportunity to do that in the service this morning. I am to be faithful, and not interject any words or thoughts that aren’t from my Lord, so that His Spirit may take my words to work in the hearts of my hearers.

Father, thank You for the incredible privilege of being Your agent, as imperfect as I am. May Your words through me indeed accomplish everything for which You send them, for Your glory. (Isaiah 55:11) Thank You. Hallelujah!