A Speaking Voice and a Listening Ear
By: Pastor Jim Schoon
KEY PASSAGE: JOHN 10:2-4
“The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep…When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of
them, and his sheep will follow him because they know his voice.”
Our passage for today comes from the section of the Bible entitled, “The Shepherd
and His flock.” Jesus is speaking to the crowd and explaining who he is. In doing
so, he used the analogy of a shepherd and his sheep and described their relationship
in warm and tender terms. Those words, spoken centuries ago, speak to us today.
The sheep belong to the shepherd. The passage talks about the shepherd relating to
“all his own.” This thought translates into the reality that we belong to the Lord.
There is the wonderful relationship of ownership and belonging. As we live life,
we can live in the confidence that we belong to the living Lord.
The shepherd leads the sheep on their journey. He goes before them and shows
them the way to nourishment, refreshment, and rest. He leads the way as they go
through dangerous and difficult parts of the terrain. It is the same with the Lord
and us today. He goes before us and leads us through the pleasant times and the
more challenging moments in our lives. We are not alone on our journey, bereft of
guidance and divine presence. The Lord leads us through the winding and
uncertain path of life. Confusion and misdirection fade into the background as we
follow the Lord.
The relationship of the sheep to the shepherd is such that the sheep follow their
shepherd, and not someone else, because they know His voice. They have listened
to him over time, experienced his presence, and know his voice very well.
Following their shepherd is a given in life. It is the same for us today as we spend
time with the Lord. We know the Shepherd wants to speak to us words of wisdom
and guidance. We know that the words of the Shepherd will impact our lives. We
find comfort in our relationship with the Lord and follow Him as we trust Him to
lead.
As you live this day, my friend, take delight and comfort in knowing that the
Shepherd, our Lord, has significant words to speak to you. Enjoy your relationship
with Him, choose to listen to His words, and follow Him on your journey.
Prayer: Almighty and Everlasting God, thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus
Christ, so I may know you and belong to your family. Thank you for leading me in
life, and I pray that you will lead me today. As you speak words of guidance,
comfort, and encouragement, give me faith to receive those words and act on them.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.