Are you hearing the voices I'm hearing?

Two scripture readings interplay interestingly this week. First, Ezekiel tells how God is upset with the appointed shepherds of God's people. They have led the people astray and the sheep are scattered. God will now throw out the bad shepherds and take over the role of shepherd. In the gospel according to John, Jesus remarks that He is the true shepherd who not only guards the sheep but also guards the gate to the sheepfold. There is no going around the gate and there is no getting around Jesus. He says the sheep know his voice and know that the other voices of self-proclaimed shepherds are voices of falsehood.

Do you think that's true? Are the sheep able to discern the voice of Jesus over the din of other voices that advertise entry to the sheepfold, or at leas some sheepfold? How can you be sure it's the voice of Jesus you hear? Maybe it's a voice withing the listener's own mind. Interesting questions about God, shepherds, and authority that commands obedience for this coming Sunday.

Lectionary texts this week are: Psalm 100; Ezekiel 34:7-15; John 10: 1-10; 1 Peter 2:19-25.

This Sunday is the final Sunday of the month. We'll collect Noisy Offering and we'll join for pot luck lunch following worship. Remember the midweek classes that are going on and the new class on Christian theology on Monday evenings at 6 p.m.

See you soon!
Allen