Held Forever: The Comfort of Eternal Assurance

Well, this Sunday is Mother's Day, a day that we remember the incredible women who pour out their lives for us in the different forms of motherhood that we experience today. While the ideal picture of a mum might be one of tireless, always-present care, of unwavering strength, love and security, we know that the challenging reality of human relationships means this ideal isn't always perfectly reflected. We understand that no normal person, not even a mother, can bear the weight of being our absolute source of security, let alone live up to these high expectations. And yet I think the majority of humanity somehow senses that this type of love and security exists and even expects this type of love for ourselves in some way.

We are often out searching for someone we can utterly depend on. If we’re lucky, the closest person to fill that role is our mothers, and when they are gone, the loss can be devastating, unless we have found others that we hope will fill that role (our spouses, friends or even our children). We are relational beings, and it seems we are constantly seeking that person to which we can seek refuge and peace.

Our passage this week is one that should give us great comfort and assurance because when people let us down, the perfect Shepherd will not. When our loved ones leave us, our Lord remains, the only One who truly knows us and loves us completely. And in a world that often feels uncertain, where can we find a place of absolute, unshakeable safety? Like being held in a mother's secure embrace, there's a divine promise: that those who hear the Shepherd's voice are held so securely in His hand, that no one can ever snatch them away, this is an eternal security that should offer us deep rest for our souls.

Take a moment to read our passage this week, John 10:22-30. Be encouraged and be assured.

Blessings

Josh