Scripture:
John 10:27 (NIV)
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
A Voice-Full Day
Joohee and Eugenie embarked on their journey to Korea, starting from Philly and passing through San Francisco last Thursday. Before heading to the airport, we gathered at the church to pray together for a safe trip. (Thank you all for your prayers!) However, there was a hiccup along the way. The flight scheduled to depart from Philly at 6:15 pm was delayed for three hours.
Consequently, upon their arrival at SFO, their connecting flight had already departed, causing them to miss it. They found themselves stranded in the airport, and it was a sleepless night for all of us until they safely checked into their hotel room until 6 am the next morning, Eastern Time.
The following day, Joohee woke up with a heavy heart, burdened by the delay and struggling with uncertainty regarding rescheduling their flight.
Fortunately, the airline assisted her in finding a flight which had only three available seats. They managed to secure two seats together. Although it felt like one hurdle after another, they decided to make the most of their time in San Francisco, exploring sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, and Union Square, indulging an ice cream store. At the end of the day, Eugenie remarked to her mom, "Mommy, I think God delayed our flight so we could see the Golden Gate Bridge!" (Thank you, Sunday school teachers!)
This profound observation brought a sense of blessing and relief to Joohee, easing her burden and stress. It resonated with her as if it were God's voice, finally offering solace amidst uncertainty.
The Gospel of John proclaims, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." God speaks to us at times directly—through scripture, prayer—and indirectly through those around us.
As children of God, we continuously hear His voice and follow Him, for He is our shepherd, and we are His sheep. Our shepherd intimately knows us; He understands our emotions, empathizes with our struggles, and knows our stories and tears. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, the word "know" in Greek entails a deep and intimate understanding. When God says He knows us, it signifies a profound connection.
Sisters and brothers, in this quiet moment, I invite you to close your eyes and open your ears wide to hear His gentle voice—the voice from Heaven whispering, "I love you, my daughter/my son, with whom I am well pleased." This voice comes from our closeness to the Lord. Let us continue our Lenten journey with time of prayer and meditation, so that we all can also have a moment to listen to His voice through people around us. Also, let us become His voice to people around us as well. Have a voice-full day!
Reflection Written by Rev. Sean Lee
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guidance through life's twists and turns. Help us hear Your voice in Scripture, prayer, and the people around us. Give us peace in Your timing and strength to be Your voice to others.
In Jesus's name, we pray, Amen.
Please take a moment to consider what God is speaking to you through the scripture passage and the devotional reflection.
Then, take some time for prayer—pray for your own soul, and lift up the teachers, staff, and students in our town and community's school system!
You can also listen to the music provided below as a backdrop
for your time of prayer.
Goodness of God - TRIBL & Maverick City Music