6. New Testament Walkers and Talkers

1.. The Gospels - More from John

Thinking

In John 10: 11-18, Jesus likens himself to a shepherd and speaks of sheep from other sheep pens. His words are clear - "and they will listen to my voice" (V.16.). He goes on in V.27, "My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow me." We today need to thank him for this precious word with the reminder that today each of us, by his grace, can be part of his flock today.

In the Upper Room before his arrest, Jesus spent a final and precious time with the disciples teaching them deeper things. He promised the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 14: 16-17). Then in V.26 we read, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you." Of the many things the Spirit does, this special task of reminding us about of Jesus' teaching focuses on language. Today, the Spirit still primes our thoughts, bringing to mind scriptures that we have previously read and making them relevant for specific situations. Burying the scriptures deep in our mind increases the vocabulary with which we can hear the Holy Spirit speaking to us.

Jesus continued as reported in John 16: 13. "But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth; for he will not speak on his own; he will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare unto you the things that are to come." It is clear from these words that Jesus expected his people to hear the Spirit speaking to them. Prayer has to be two-way.

Praying

Lord, I seem to be talking / writing too fast again. I need to put my own advice into action. "Prayer needs to be two-way." Do you want to lead my thoughts here?

Listening

Just be still for a while, my son. Sit there in silence. Blot out the external world. Know my presence, and sample eternity in a moment of timelessness.

- - - - - -

Now ponder over these words of Scripture that you have just read. These words are the critical teaching on this whole matter of conversational prayer. The Spirit of truth living within you is the way I usually choose to speak to you, although there are other ways. Remember - the Spirit of Truth. As Father and Son, we speak as one and speak through the Spirit - in truth.

Think also about what you have just done, that is, paused and been still in my presence. Sometimes you talk too much and need to wait for me. You also need to balance within you the opportunity to chat with me as your dearest friend, and the holy meeting between you and me as man and his God. Don't rush!

Praying

Lord, I pause again just now. Your words exude truth, and grace, and love, and wisdom, and this time, a gentle rebuke. But I love you very much Lord, and want to listen to your voice.

- - - - - -

Thinking

The great high-priestly prayer of Jesus is recorded in John 17. It is not a prayer for us to pray, but one that we should read with awe. It is also one that reaches a supernatural height of conversation - between the Father and Son, and yet it is recorded here for our example. God wants us to share with him our innermost thoughts, anxieties, concerns, and supplications - not casually, but within a deep intimacy of love, worship and devotion. The high-priestly prayer of Jesus is the most perfect example of this.

The Gospels are the major milestone in the revelation of God to man because they report the life, death and resurrection of Jesus as the Son of God. The precious words of Jesus are the key: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10: 10) God himself walked amongst us. This had not happened since the Garden of Eden.

Copyright Howard Smith 2002. All Rights reserved.

For comments or responses, please contact