Speaking of Jesus

Job 32:1-10, 19-33:1, 19-28
Acts 13:44-52
John 10:19-30
There is an interesting thread running through the passages today. In each case words or speech play an important role, only the character or tone of the speech changes according to the setting. In Acts, “…both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly…” (Acts 13:46), while according to one commentator Job’s companion Elihu is “bombastic and prolix” in his remarks (Oxford Annotated Study Bible, Job 32:1-33:7 n.).

These descriptions remind me of a song by the band the Police:

Poets, priests and politicians
Have words to thank for their positions
Words that scream for your submission
And no one's jamming their transmission

Indeed, words are a very powerful weapon for a gifted speaker. Human history is full of examples of words that have inspired both noble actions and despicable ones. Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death” speech played an important role in America independence. But Adolph Hitler proved equally effective in rousing hatred and violence with his well-crafted hate speech. Whether bold or bombastic and prolix these are all human words.

This is why one subtle comment by Jesus is so telling. “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Being called a sheep is usually not a compliment. In human terms sheep are considered timid, apt to be frightened easily, and prone to a mob mentality. For Jesus, however, the term sheep is one of endearment: those who follow him with trust and loyalty are the sheep to which he is referring. Instead of being led by human words and worldly expressions, Jesus’ sheep are attracted only to his voice and to his way. Our calling, then, even when we hear the likes of Paul, or Barnabas, or our favorite contemporary preacher, is to listen behind the words, as it were, for the voice of Jesus calling us into a right relationship with God.

Prayer: Lord, help us to hear your word in the midst of all the other voices that call to us. And may we be lead as your sheep to follow you in faithful obedience. Amen.