Daily devotion – Blessed assurance
John 10: 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.
Imagine a vast, peaceful meadow where a shepherd is tending to his flock of sheep. The sheep are scattered around, grazing and enjoying the sunshine. The shepherd’s presence is comforting to the sheep. He knows each of them by name, and they recognize his voice. When he calls, they listen and respond. In the same way, Jesus is our Good Shepherd. He knows us intimately, and we can hear His voice in the Scriptures, in prayer, and in our hearts. Just as the sheep trust and follow their shepherd, we can trust and follow Jesus, knowing that He leads us to safety and eternal life.
Imagine a powerful and loving hand that holds you securely. This hand belongs to Jesus. In John 10:28-29, Jesus compares Himself to a strong and caring shepherd who holds His sheep in His hand. It’s a picture of safety and protection. No one, not even the forces of darkness, can snatch us away from His hand. Just as a child feels safe when held by a parent, we can find comfort in Jesus’ grip. He promises us eternal life, and His hold on us is unbreakable.
Picture a courtroom where you stand accused of countless wrongdoings. The penalty is death and separation from God. You have no defense; your imperfections are undeniable. But then Jesus steps forward. He offers Himself as the payment for your sins. The judge declares you forgiven and sets you free because the price has been paid by Jesus. It’s as if a clean slate is handed to you, and you can start anew. This is the beauty of salvation—Jesus paid the debt we could never pay. His sacrifice on the cross removes our sins and gives us the assurance of eternal life.
Imagine a ship navigating stormy seas. Amid the crashing waves and fierce winds, there’s an anchor firmly rooted on the ocean floor. This anchor keeps the ship steady and prevents it from drifting away. Similarly, our assurance of salvation is like an unbreakable anchor. Jesus assures us that His sheep hear His voice, and He knows them. No matter how turbulent life becomes, our trust in Jesus keeps us grounded. His promise of eternal life is our unchanging anchor, giving us hope and security in the midst of life’s challenges.
These illustrations vividly convey the comforting truths of John 10:27-29. They remind us that Jesus, our Shepherd, offers eternal security and assurance of salvation. Just as the shepherd cares for his sheep, Jesus cares for us and ensures that we are safe in His hand and the hand of the Father. This assurance is a precious gift, rooted in the grace and love of our Savior.
This is amazing grace!