Devotions this week are based on Week 4 How Would You Answer (WATCH HERE)
John 10:5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”
Have you ever hung up on someone because you didn’t recognize the voice of the person on the other end of the line? We live in an era that one must be wary of scammers. They call pretending you have jury duty and you need to confirm your credentials. They call claiming there was fraudulent activity on your bank card. They call just to try to sell you a time share.
When you recognize the voice is one of a stranger and you sense danger, you hang up. You “run” away.
Why such a strong reaction? Because the stranger’s voice is not just different. It is dangerous.
This is what Jesus is teaching spiritually. The stranger’s voice is different and dangerous!
It deceives. It steals.
Deception rarely sounds wrong at first. It often sounds appealing. It promises something good. This will make you happy. This will fix what is missing.
Deception can also look like the truth…which makes it even more dangerous. The Apostle Paul knew that Satan isn’t blatant…he’s deceptive. He works through people who seem to preach good things, but are deceptive. For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)
Like advertising, the messaging of the stranger promises satisfaction. It tells you that one more purchase or one more experience will finally fill the gap. But the satisfaction never lasts. Spiritually, the same thing happens. We chase what promises life, only to find it empty. “If you try harder, God will bless you more.” “If you just live more Christian you will have less hardship.” “If you really have faith, you would not be sick.” The list goes on, but the deception is real.
And then comes the stealing.
Jesus says in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” It may begin small, but over time it takes more than it gives.
The message of the stranger steals peace. It steals clarity. It steals joy. So simply ask yourself, “Is this message giving me more peace or more anxiety? More clarity or more confusion? More joy or more discontent?”
The sheep who know the shepherd do something important. They run from the stranger. They do not stay to evaluate or experiment. They recognize and move away.
When you recognize that voice, do not linger. Turn back to Jesus.
Reflect: What voice in my life is promising satisfaction but leaving me empty? What would it look like to turn away from it?
Prayer: Jesus, give me discernment to recognize deception. Help me turn quickly from what steals life and return to You. Amen.