John 10:27 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me"
Jesus has declared Himself to be the Good Shepherd and knows His sheep. Aren't
you thankful the Lord of glory knows you? He knows you by name. He knows your
thoughts, your words, your actions. He knows the deepest things concerning you
and me, and still He loves me. What a glorious thought that is to me!
"My sheep hear my voice." It brings sorrow to my heart to know
there are those who confess a faith in the Lord Jesus; yet, they do not believe
God has daily interactions with us. Apparently they believe Jesus saved us and
then threw us into this cruel world to fend for ourselves. Jesus said His
sheep hear His voice. Does that not give us the understanding and assurance of
interaction on a daily basis. "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them,
and they follow me."
I once read of two shepherds who met each other along the road as they were
moving their flocks of sheep from one pasture to another. They had not seen
each other in a while, so they stood and had a fairly long conversation. As
they were talking, their sheep began to mix together until it looked as if it
was only one flock of sheep. After a while they ended their conversation and
each continued along their individual ways. As they departed from one another,
their voices called to their sheep. As the sheep heard the voices of their
shepherds, they followed the familiar voice. The flocks separated as they each
one followed the voice of their caregiver. They heard the voice of the shepherd
and they followed.
Our Shepherd speaks to us on a daily basis. It is agreed there are many voices
and many sounds that enter into our ears, minds, and hearts. We must practice
the art of being still and listening for the voice of our Lord. Be certain, He
does speak to us each day. How does He speak? The most evident manner is
through His written Word. As we read the Bible, we should stir our hearts and
minds to realize this is the very Word of God spoken to us. He sometimes sends
His message to us through someone else, or He could speak to us through a
sunrise, a flower, the birds singing. How does that occur? Have you ever sat
and listened to the birds singing? Who do they sing to? In my opinion, they are
singing unto the glory of the Lord. As I listen to their pure songs of joy, I
hear my Saviour speaking words of comfort to me. I hear Him speaking the
assurance of His love and grace into my life.
Paul spoke of those things as he began his letter to the Romans.
"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are
clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal
power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." (Romans 1:20)
What is this verse saying? The eternal power and Godhead of our Lord are
clearly seen by those things which are made. The dogwood trees bloom at
Easter time. As you look at the blossom of the dogwood, you can see the cross.
You can see the crown of thorns. You can see the faithfulness of God in this
Springtime. That is only one example, but yes, God speaks to me even through
those things which He has made and placed upon this earth.
I want to practice the art of listening to my Lord, the Good Shepherd of my
soul.