Jesus, Our Coach

Read John 10:1-5, 22-28

"I have already told you, and you don't believe me," Jesus replied. "The proof is in the miracles I do in the name of my Father. But you don't believe me because you are not part of my flock. My sheep recognize my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish. No one shall snatch them away from me."

John 10:25-28 (TLB)

Eugenia French Shaver is from Texas. "Go team!...Set up!...Slow down!...Rebound!...Good job!" This is the voice of coaches on basketball courts around the world. For the past few years, Eugenia's son has coached an elementary school basketball team. As he coaches, he constantly guides his team from the sidelines. When the players come off the court for breaks, her son draws them into a circle to give instructions. When they go back on the court, her son's voice can be heard clearly offering instruction and encouragement. As Eugenia watches, she is struck by how the team can distinguish his voice from the many other voices in the gym. This reminds Eugenia of today's scripture reading.

There is so much noise and distraction in our world. How can we distinguish Jesus' voice from everything else? As Christ's disciples, we can come to know his voice in many ways: through stillness, prayer, and Bible study; by listening to our conscience and the words of other faithful people; and through worship experiences, music, and gratitude. With persistence and perseverance, we can discern Christ's voice from the noise of the world.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your guiding voice. Help us discern from all the noise which voice is yours, in Jesus' name. Amen.