Ready and willing hearing
by Pastor Mark Lieschke
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no-one will snatch them out of my hand (John 10:28).
Read John 10:22–30
A crowd gathered around Jesus, with people wanting an answer from him. ‘How long will you keep us in suspense?’ they asked. While this was not a new question (John 7:25–31,40–42), this was the first time it had been put to Jesus directly.
But was it a genuine question, or had they already made up their minds about him?
Jesus made the point that nothing he said about himself could clarify his identity further. What was needed was not plain speaking but ready and willing hearing. All Jesus could do was refer to the works (the miracles) he had done in the Father’s name. They spoke for him.
Those who hear – who recognise the Shepherd who has spoken the words and performed the miracles – know and follow him. But even more important is that he knows them and gives eternal life to them. He’s laid down his life for them, made them his own, and promised that no-one would snatch them out of his hand.
And then he repeated the promise: ‘No-one will snatch them out of my hand.’
We can hear those words with ready and willing hearing. They are for us. They are words of comfort, hope and peace. They are words of Jesus himself, the Good Shepherd, to us as his loved children.
We are not insignificant specks in an immeasurable universe. We are valued and loved by our merciful Father, forgiven by our gracious Saviour, and equipped for service by the Holy Spirit. And our Lord’s commitment to us means that we can be confident in his provision for us even in the face of difficult times, fear, doubt and death itself.
And because of that commitment, we can be ready and willing to hear what he says, no matter our circumstances or situations.
Lord Jesus Christ, give us ready and willing hearing. Open our hearts and lives to what you want to say to us, to receive what you want to provide and to be prepared to respond to your grace with ready and willing acts of service. In your name, we pray. Amen.
Mark Lieschke is a retired pastor living on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. He served in parishes in South Australia, New Zealand and New South Wales before being elected as bishop of the LCANZ’s NSW and ACT District. Mark enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, walking on the beach and relaxing.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
