My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
In November 1975, seventy-five convicts started digging a secret tunnel designed to bring them up at the other side of the wall of Saltillo Prison in northern Mexico. On April 18, 1976, they tunneled up into the nearby courtroom in which many of them had been sentenced. The surprised judges returned all 75 to Jail.
These inmates had the right idea, but they followed the wrong direction. All of their planning and execution were in vain. Because they followed the wrong direction and had the wrong leader, they ended up digging their way back to Jail; and I am sure their sentences were increased for trying to escape prison.
Many people are digging themselves into bigger existential holes because they do not have the right map, and are following the wrong leader. Some are busy following celebrities, while others are following politicians or star athletes. These individuals often get disappointed and confused when the personality they idolize is exposed in the media, or when they discover the many flaws of that individual. The only personality that never disappoints is Jesus.
Jesus is the right leader who provides the right direction. He is way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Those who follow Jesus cannot get lost. Followers of Jesus are equipped with a spiritual GPS to ensure they finish the race and keep the faith.
In today’s text, Jesus reminds us that his sheep hear his voice, he knows them, and they follow him. That is an excellent reminder about the benefits of following Jesus. The steps of followers of Jesus are ordered by God, so they do not go astray.
One of my favorite hymns is “I have decided to follow Jesus.” That decision is a life-transforming decision. Those who make that decision will never get lost. They will inherit eternal life. Their lives will be a living testament of the goodness of God, and their light will help lead others out of their darkness and into the marvelous light of Christ.
Since I decided to follow Jesus, I found my life’s purpose. That decision has influenced the way I talk, think, act, serve, and live life. My decision to follow Jesus gave me a sense of purpose. Because I decided to follow Jesus, I have become more enduringly strong in dealing with the vicissitudes of life. My joy has been made complete even during times of mourning.
If you are reading this devotional and have not decided to follow Jesus, please allow me to encourage you to do so. And if you made that decision and are being pulled by the temptations of the world into the life of darkness, Jesus saved you from, let me exhort you to recommit your life to Christ. Following Jesus is the best thing you will ever do. It will not be easy, but it will certainly worth all the trials and difficulties you will go through.
In today’s text, Jesus confirms that his followers hear his voice, and he knows us. Wow! There have been many occasions when I was on the verge of making a mistake; however, the Holy Spirit spoke to me through someone else to remind me that I belong to Jesus Christ. Saints, Jesus does speak to his followers. He knows us by name. Therefore, we can be assured that no weapon formed against us will prosper.
Prayer- Blessed Jesus, I pray for those who have not yet decided to follow you. May they be convicted by your Holy Spirit so they will come to know the joy of your salvation.