Vested interest. What exactly does it mean? It's a familiar term. To have a vested interest is associated with a position of authority, responsibility, commitment, and ownership. A pastor administers wedding rites with the phrase that begins with, "By the power vested in me...." The employee who remains with a company long enough may earn vested interest, thereby enabling them to receive a certain amount of financial gain.   
      When power or authority is vested in something--or someone--that power or authority is a given; it is set, fixed, absolute, and unconditional. From a Biblical perspective, this is seen in Scripture. For example, in Matthew 28:18 it says,"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'" Jesus was given authority from God the Father over all matters on earth and in heaven.   
       What does a vested interest say about our spiritual life? Do we have a vested interest in our Lord and Savior to remain faithful and true? Though we may say, "Yes," it is likely that our faith wavers from what we'd like it to be. We are imperfectly human.   
       But there is a constant upon which we can depend, for God does not waver. His promises and his unconditional love are a given. If there is anyone who has a vested interest in us, it is Him! 
                

       If you grew up with music from the 60's, you might remember the British group, the "Hermit's Hermits" and the popular hit they released in 1966 called "Listen People." If you don't remember them--or if you hadn't yet arrived on the planet--you can check out the catchy love song on YouTube that became a sensation.       
       Recently as I revisited that song, the starting lyrics, "Listen people, do as I say" struck a chord. So much has taken place in our world lately. I couldn't help but be reminded of God's voice in the first phrase of that song. Throughout history, The Lord has pleaded over and over for His people to listen to Him.       
     The Bible has a lot to say about this. A verse from Isaiah 28:23 is especially fitting: "Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say." 
       It shouldn't be so hard to listen; after all, we have two ears. However, sometimes we get so busy or  distracted with by other things that we don't take the time to do this.        
        The pandemic has changed our lives. As difficult as this has been, some positive things have come to light: many families are at home together, people are giving of their time and talent to help and support each other, and we are making do with fewer resources. Life seems a little quieter, with more time to reflect on the things that are truly important.             
        This is a time we can be still, listen for God's voice, and turn to His Word, The Bible. It's the most sensational love story of all.     
          I'd like to sing out a slightly different lyric. Join on in. It goes, "Listen, people, God loves you!"    
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John 10:27-28 - "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never parish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." 
2 Chronicles 7:14 - "If my  people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 
Luke 11:28 - "He replied, 'Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and obey it'." 


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