intentional

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.” (John 10:27, TNIV)

“My sheep recognize my voice. I know them and they follow me.” (John 10:27, The Message)

“I and the Father are one heart and mind.” (John 10:30, The Message)

There is a distinct difference between recognizing and listening. When I was raising my children, I was very aware of the fact that my teens were capable of recognizing my voice without actually listening to what I was saying. Trust me, they take after their mother.

I find it curious and helpful to read the Bible in various translations. The Message implies that all Christians recognize Jesus’ voice; the TNIV implies that all Christians listen to Jesus’ voice (verse 27). Curious distinction, isn’t it? I sincerely hope that both are true, but I doubt the latter. To recognize Jesus’ voice is purely a gift given by God. To listen to Jesus is a gift as well, but it is also a choice – an intentional choice to be open and receptive to hearing even that which I don’t anticipate or desire to hear.

Jesus both recognizes and listens to his Father’s voice. Is that perhaps why they are one heart and mind (verse 30, The Message)? If I chose to listen, as well as recognize, could I also experience being of one heart and mind with the Trinity? This is what I long for – to be of one heart and mind with the Trinity.

How serious am I about listening to Jesus and really hearing what he has to say to me today? I’m serious enough about receiving the gifts or benefits that I anticipate that go along with recognizing and listening, but I’m not as certain about my commitment to making the choices and doing the work of being intentional in listening. Quite frankly, I even have doubts about receiving what I hear – I suspect that I will rarely receive the benefit that I anticipate. Therein lies the rub. I long to be of one heart and mind with the Trinity and yet I resist. All I can really say is, “Holy Trinity, have mercy upon me!”

As I listen for Jesus’ voice now, I hear him say, “My darling child! You always have my Love. Remember that truth each moment, and walk with me.”