Today’s Post By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
Family and friends with whom we spend a lot of time become so familiar that even when we can’t physically see them, we can identify who they are by their voice. My husband has a very distinct voice – deep and raspy. As soon as I pick up the phone, I know it’s him. Unfortunately, when someone calls and I haven’t spoken to in a while, I might not recognize them by voice alone.
Bottom line. The more familiar we are with someone the more readily we recognize their voice.
The Bible often references the parallel of sheep and a shepherd as a symbol of our relationship with God.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
“As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.” (Ezekiel 34:12)
“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” (Mark 6:34)
Sheep know the voice of the shepherd because they spend so much time in his presence. Every day the shepherd leads his flock and the sheep listen for his voice and direction. The shepherd leads them to green pastures, calm streams, and safe places of rest.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
Jesus is our Good Shepherd. There are many voices in this world competing for our attention. It’s easy to become so overwhelmed that we struggle to hear God’s voice above the clamor.
Spending daily time in the presence of Jesus will enable us to distinguish the Lord’s voice above all the others.
Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me….” (John 10:14)
“Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say.” (Isaiah 28:23)