A shepherd enters through the gate. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they recognize his voice.John 10:2-4
This passage from John tells us important things about the shepherd-sheep relationship. The shepherd calls his sheep by name and leads them out; he goes before them, preparing the way and protecting them from harm. When he speaks to them, they follow him because they know his voice.
These verses remind us that because sheep are in such an intimate relationship with the shepherd and spend so much time with him, they can discern the difference between their shepherd’s voice and that of a stranger and won’t be deceived. So it is with us.
As we commune more with Jesus, our Good Shepherd, and become familiar with his voice, we will not be deceived by the voice of the enemy; we will not be distracted or derailed by the myriad other voices in the world around us.
As the song says, we will hear our shepherd more clearly and follow him more nearly, not just in the extraordinary times but day by day.
This relationship and communion with Christ is the Key 🔑 to our growth and flourishing ✨ in Grace.
We are loved ❤ ♥️ 💙 and cared for by our Chief Shepherd and even in the midst of such uncertainties of life that we currently face, He will lead us to safe harbors.
Prayer.
LORD, I thank you for making me one of your sheep. What a privilege it is to belong to you! Thank you for going ahead of me and preparing the way for me. You call me by name and speak to my heart and lead me. With all the “voices” clamoring in my world, quiet my mind and heart so that I will recognize your voice and follow only you.
The Christian life rooted in the secret place where God meets and walks and talks with his own grows into such a testimony of Divine power that all men will feel its influence and be touched by the warmth of its love.
Shalom.