PREACHER’S NOTE 30 APRIL 2023
Listen to His Voice
I love game reserve holidays. There is an
awe in quietly observing nature untamed
by man’s construction or economics
– a raw wildness, to be treated with a healthy respect.
One feels quite safe in the confines of the car or
the fenced camp, but out in the reserve all bets are off. If
you’ve ever witnessed the penetrating stare of a huge
lion wondering what you taste like, you’ll know what I
mean – the car door suddenly feels rather flimsy. Game
walks are wonderful, but increase the level of that feeling.
I remember, on a youth leadership camp, sitting on the
ground in the dark, a fair distance from any civilization,
listening to the night sounds around us. A lion’s roar is
quite a spine-chilling experience when you’re there!
You’re suddenly quite glad for the ranger’s large rifle, and
become especially attentive to what he says.
Our reading from John’s gospel for this week has Jesus
describing sheep, gathered together at night in the safety
of the pen, with a shepherd keeping watch. The sheep
listen attentively to his voice, following him where he
leads. They’ve learnt to trust him, listen to him, and that
attentiveness is the difference between life and death. It
is a dangerous world, Jesus warns – you need to keep
close to me, listen to my voice, to keep safe, to live life in
all the fullness designed by a good Father. Jesus is especially
warning about those who climb into the pen, and
want to lure us out into danger with promises and ideas
that do not come from Him. How will we know? Listen to
that little voice inside that says “That doesn’t sound right”
– that’s the Holy Spirit whispering guidance quietly into
your soul. What a caring, aware, protecting, amazing
God we serve!
Blessings, Andrew.