The Daily Office for February 16, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 105:1-22
Genesis 32:3-21
1 John 2:18-29
John 10:19-30
Reading (John 10:19-30)
Reflection
The exchange between Jesus and the Jewish leaders that starts in verse 22 takes place about two months after the previous account. They ask, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” But Jesus had already told them as related in John 6:35, John 7:37–39, and 8:23–25. The problem was they had previously rejected what Christ had said about Himself. He had also proven His claims by His works. The cause for their unbelief was rooted in the fact that they were not His sheep.
Note the verbs used in this passage to describe Christ’s sheep. They hear and follow their Shepherd. This obedient response is totally opposite that of the Jewish leaders. The Shepherd, then, promises salvation and that His sheep will never perish. The Greek idiom used here means forever: His sheep will live for all eternity.
Besides being in the hand of the Son, His sheep are in the hand of the Father and no one is able to pluck them out of the Father’s hand. Jesus then makes the crucial association when he states that, "I and the Father are one." God the Father and God the Son are in agreement in the matter of the believer’s security. On the basis of this passage, no true believer should doubt their salvation. Once a person is genuinely saved, he or she is saved forever. What a glorious promise and one that should give us hope and joy each day!
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image: teach us to discern your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things, now and for ever. Amen.