May 11, 2014 The Bridge Meditations “The shepherd walks right up to the gate…the sheep recognize his voice. They won’t follow a stranger’s voice.” Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. “I’ll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn’t listen to them.” John 10: 5-8 (The Message) Surprise! The disciples didn’t get the story. These followers of Jesus show up illustrating how thick-headed and deaf people can be. Indeed, the disciples often seem to be a narrative device allowing Jesus to repeat the story -- suggesting that it holds a very important message. I do get the story: Sheep who hear the Shepherd’s voice find pasture, are secure, lead a contented life. But I don’t listen to the Shepherd’s voice often enough, more consistently hearing instead the Sirens’ call of strangers: The fashion world wheedles me to update my wardrobe to be stylish. A financial advice column convinces me to bankroll feverishly for freedom in my later years. Countless fear mongers on Madison Avenue bend my ear about all manner of things I should heed lest I go to hell in a handbasket/be a hopeless loser—from political candidates to organic produce to home security systems to the latest vacation hot spot. The small “false self” me–call it the ego–keeps the channel clear to receive messages from every source except the One True Source: Our Good Shepherd. Count me in good company with the clueless disciples. We’re all in need of a hearing check/visit to the Divine audiologist. Prayer: Loving Shepherd, help us to recognize Your voice in contrast to those of the sheep stealers in our lives. Amen Question: Can I be aware of at least one circumstance today when I can say “yes” to the Shepherd’s voice and “no” to the strangers’ voices? Written by Robin Kline The Bridge is a collaborative ministry by four Downtown Des Moines churches. The Bridge Meditations are part of the ministry of The Bridge which is working to enrich the lives of those working, living and visiting downtown Des Moines. Programs developed by The Bridge offer spiritual formation and development, professional counseling, holistic health and family support. The Connection Cafe is a Bridge ministry whichprovides a free mid-day meal five days per week. The Connection Cafe is located next to the YWCA on Grand Avenue and is supported by many churches and civic organizations in its ministry. For more information, or to volunteer to help with The Bridge, The Connection Cafe or other Downtown Des Moines ministries contact Rob Hoover at 515-771-1481 or by email at theconnectioncafe@hotmail
Posted on: Sun, 11 May 2014 11:15:01 +0000
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