The Shepherd's Voice
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” John 10:14
Think about what goes on when you answer the phone. Sometimes you recognize the number, and before you say hello, you know who is on the other line. But sometimes you aren’t sure who is calling until you hear the voice on the other end. People you know really well often don’t even have to tell you who they are- you just recognize their voice.
Some of the “voices” you like to hear the most on the phone are those of people you love- friends, mentors, family. These are people you trust, and let give you advice and guidance. Think about the lesson we all started learning at a very early age: don’t talk to strangers. We don’t know them or know if they are trustworthy.
Just as we listen to the voices of our earthly parents, friends, and mentors, Christians listen to the voice of their heavenly Father and savior. Just like sheep follow the voice of the shepherd who protects them and leads them to pastures and streams, we follow the voice of our Savior who guides us through life.
So you might be asking- how in the world do you follow the “voice” of Jesus, or “listen” to his voice when it doesn’t just come booming out of the sky? That’s a good question.
God has given us his word- written for us! Yep- the Bible. “Quiet time” reading God’s word and praying to him is not just “another thing to do”. The time you spend having a conversation with God- talking to him (praying) and listening to him (reading his word) will help deepen your relationship with him, as much as spending lots of time with a good friend helps you get to know them better. And as you get to know him, it will be easier and easier to recognize his voice and where he is leading.
So as you seek to obey God, take some time to spend with him. He is worthy. He loves you. In fact, he died for you. Now that is a shepherd worth following, don’t you think?
When was the last time you spent some time in God’s word?