Tuesday, April 28th

THE SHEEP HEAR HIS VOICE

John 10:22-30

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them…”

John 10:27 (NIV)

It is undeniable that the Jews’ unease stemmed from Jesus’ remarkable words and deeds. They wanted to hear him say that he was the Messiah, not so they could believe, but so they could condemn him. So, even though they see, they do not believe, because they are not of the Lord’s flock.

Jesus offends them because he equates himself with God when he says, “The Father and I are one.”

The Church of Jesus Christ, the flock, has fought against those that want the church to speak and work as agents of various agendas, according to who is asking. But the flock acts according to the voice of the Shepherd, who tells us today: share, help, serve, love, forgive, and give hope.

There will always be criticism, because even good deeds bother many people. But, the Lord says, “my Father has given them (the deeds) to me, and no one can take them away”.

Let us walk together with the Good Shepherd and hear his voice. It is a challenge in these times.

Prayer: Help us, God, to hear your voice, which gives hope and strength. May your Spirit of love forgive us when we do not hear and understand your call amid so much noise. In the name of Jesus, your Beloved Son. Amen.

Translation by Susan Metcalf Smith

Abril 28, martes

LAS OVEJAS OYEN SU VOZ

Juan 10:22-30

“Mis ovejas oyen mi voz, y yo las conozco”.

Juan 10:27

Es innegable que la inquietud de los judíos provenía de las palabras y hechos prodigiosos de Jesús. Ellos querían escucharlo decir que era el Mesías, y no para creer, sino para condenarlo. Así que, resulta que viendo no creen, porque no son del rebaño del Señor.

Jesús les molesta porque se iguala a Dios, cuando dice: mi Padre y yo uno somos.

La Iglesia de Jesucristo, el rebaño, ha luchado contra los que desean que la iglesia hable y obre como agentes de propósitos varios, según quien pregunte. Pero el rebaño obra según la voz del Pastor que nos dice hoy: comparte, ayuda, sirve, ama, perdona, da esperanza.

Siempre llegarán piedras, porque hasta las buenas obras molestan a muchos. Pero dice el Señor: mi Padre me las dio [las obras] y nadie las puede arrebatar.

Caminemos junto al Buen Pastor y escuchemos su voz. Es un desafío de estos tiempos.

Oración: Ayúdanos Dios a escuchar tu voz, que da esperanza y fortalece. Que tu Espíritu de amor nos perdone si no entendemos tu llamado por tanto ruido. En el nombre de Jesús, tu Hijo Amado. Amén.