22 Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.

There are people, such as Rich Little, who have made it big in the entertainment industry by imitating other people's voices. They can make their voice sounds and intonations so similar to some well-known personalities you can hardly tell them apart. People have unique voices.  We learn and know each other's voices.  That's why a friend or loved one can call you up on the telephone and you can begin talking without having to identify them because you recognize their voice.

 

In John 10:27 Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow Me. " Don't you want to know the voice of God when He speaks? What He says may not always be good news in your particular situation. It may not always be comforting, but it will be truth and it will be right. We have the basics of personal communication with God through Scriptures and prayer. Prayer is the avenue given to us by the grace of God for personal communication with our Heavenly Father.  This very special experience is heartfelt conversations with God.  Prayer is not, as many think, a monologue where we speak and God listens, but I believe it is more than that. It is a dialogue.

 

I am not very mystical, seeking special signs and interpreting them from God. There are lots of abuses with that type of activity.  However, I have experienced the direct leading from the Holy Spirit that has impressed something deep on my heart or conscience. It was a real as if I had heard it. It was certainly in keeping with the revealed Word of God, but it was for me.  The Bible tells us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. (Rom 10:17) When our hearts are in tune with the Lord, there is communication and a closeness that is from above. 

 

I believe being in tune with the Lord means desiring to know Him better and wanting His will in your life.  It includes a desire to repent and leave known sin. It means seeking holy and clean living.  It includes reading the Bible, which is God’s revealed word to us, Are you willing to obey it and to be faithful in serving Him with the gifts He has given to you?

 

In our passage this week we are going to discuss the important relationship you can have with Jesus. There are some considerations to be given for Christ, Christians, and some of His claims.

 

Dale