Is He Yours?

‘But you don’t believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me.’

John 10:26-27 CSB

A clip of a reality courtroom program came up on my social media feed. A cute little dog was involved so I had to watch it. Both the defendant (a woman) and the plaintiff (a man) claimed that the dog belonged to them, and they both provided supporting documentation.

The wise judge thought momentarily before asking, “Is the dog here?” It was. She ordered that the dog be brought into the courtroom and placed on the floor. All eyes were on this energetic ball of fluff.

The dog bounced past the woman straight to the man, repeatedly jumping up on his leg. With a wide smile and tear-filled eyes, the man picked up and cuddled the ecstatic dog as it licked his face.

No one could miss the utter joy of these two reuniting. Or who the real owner was. The judge told the man, “Take the dog home.”

John 10 records an exchange between Jesus and people gathering around Him. They asked Jesus, ‘If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly’ (v. 24). Jesus answered, ‘I did tell you and you don’t believe…because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me’ (v. 24-27).

Jesus spoke of two groups of people—those who belong to Him and those who don’t. The differentiating factor lay in the people’s beliefs of Jesus. Both groups believed Jesus was a physical person. But only His sheep believed He was the Messiah and Son of God. They took time to truly listen and get to know Him, allowing His words to penetrate their hearts and change their lives.

Did you know Jesus is more excited to be with you than the man was with his dog? Do you hear Him? He is calling you to come to Him, listen to Him, and know Him with increasing intimacy.  

Lord, my greatest need, desire, and joy is to spend time with You. Help me grasp the depth of Your love and acceptance of me.

Terri Vardeman