Some of you may have met by dog Bella, a Bichon Frise. While we lived in Albany WA, Bella and I would often go for a run along the esplanade. On one occasion I reached the end of the esplanade and realised she wasn’t with me. Bella often draws attention due to her fluffy grooming; I spotted her quite a distance away enjoying affection and treats from coffee shop customers. I whistled for Bella, her ears pricked up, then ignoring the offers of food or friendliness, she ran the famous Bichon dash until she reached me.
I often think of this experience when I read John 10.22-30: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Like Bella who knows my whistle and can hear it from far away and ignore other distractions, we too instinctively know Creator God’s voice. I am the true home for Bella, not the coffee shop customers who are enticed by her powder puff fluffiness. Creator God is our true source of living the Good Life, ignoring the clutter of voices that shout for attention we too respond to the whistle of our Good Shepherd and come bounding home to the true source of our identity.

 John 10: 22-30

22 At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; 26 but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand.30 The Father and I are one.”