A Shepherd’s Voice

“The [shepherd] goes ahead of [his sheep], and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” John 10:4,5

If you own a dog, you know the joy of having your animal respond to special commands. If you tell your pet to sit, it sits. If you tell it to roll over, it rolls over. Sheep also respond to their master’s call. However, there is a big difference between sheep and dogs. If a friend tells your dog to sit, it will likely obey his command. But sheep are different. They become used to hearing only their shepherd’s voice that they will only respond when he alone calls them. Some people who own sheep have invited guests to see if they can call the sheep. They even tell the visitors the exact words to shout. When the sheep hear the stranger’s voice, they just turn their heads and look. After all, that’s not the voice of their shepherd.

Jesus said in John 10:4,5: “The [shepherd] goes ahead of [his sheep], and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus tells us that he is the Good Shepherd and we are his sheep. As we become familiar with our Shepherd, we begin to recognize his voice. We hear Jesus’ voice when we read and study the Bible. We become familiar with Jesus’ voice when we talk with him in our prayers. We get to better know Jesus’ voice when we follow his commands, when we tell others about him, and when we learn about him.

Sheep are easily frightened and spooked. They are very uncertain of their surroundings and can easily become startled. The shepherd’s voice calms them and makes them feel safe and secure. Sheep know they are protected when they hear the familiar sound of that one special voice.

We need that same comfort and security in our lives. When we become worried, lonely, sad, or frightened, we should listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd. He promises to hear us and always be there for us. There will be false shepherds who will imitate our Shepherd’s voice and want to lead us away from him. We must be careful never to listen to them. That’s why it is so important that we get to know our Shepherd well. Every day we should spend time listening to the Good Shepherd’s voice. Jesus continued in John 10: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” What a thought for today!

Loving Shepherd, ever near, teach your lambs Your voice to hear,

Suffer not our steps to stray from the straight and narrow way.

(This devotion is from the book “Living for Jesus” by Reynold R. Kremer)