Apr 14 - "Our Shepherd's Voice"

” Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” --- John 10:1-18

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Talk to any shepherd (do you actually know one?)…maybe even a farmer. They will tell you that sheep are pretty mindless creatures. But, they will also tell you that, when properly acclimated to their shepherd, be it a person or a Border Collie, they know what they are supposed to do when called.

From the time when we were all babies, we learned early on the sound of the voices in our lives. It is amazing to watch a new baby (we have one coming today…my sister Jessica is having her third…very exciting!!!) just a few weeks after being born, and how quickly he or she can identify voices. Even at such as early age, when a baby can’t see mom or dad but hears their voice in the room, their demeanor changes instantly. Sometimes, they look around a bit, or most often, start crying. Whatever the reaction, it is evident that they know the voice.

As I think about today’s scripture from John’s Gospel, I wonder, do I know when I hear the voice of my shepherd, Jesus? Do I react when I hear His voice? It is always hard to know. We can get confused at times and we can take over. Most often, good things don’t come of following our own voice over the long term. But, I think there are times when it is abundantly clear that our shepherd, Jesus Christ, is calling to us, when we can hear His voice over the cacophony of noise blaring at us each day.

When we hear, “Peace. Don’t worry, it will all work out.”…that is the voice of Christ.

When we hear, “You are good enough. You are perfect. You are worthy.”…that is the voice of Christ.

When a sermon on a Sunday morning touches our heart, speaks to us directly…that is the voice of Christ.

When our favorite song comes on the radio and we sign out loud with joy in our heart…that is the voice of Christ.

But, it is not only about hearing the voice of our shepherd, Jesus. It is also about being His voice.

When we open our heart to someone undeserving of our forgiveness and say, “I forgive you.”…we are the voice of Christ.

When we reach out to those in need and say, “Let me help you.”…we are the voice of Christ.

When we come together with friends and family and say to one another, “I love you.”…we are the voice of Christ.

So, listen for His voice. Have you strayed away and He has come looking for you, calling you home? Are you in need of peace and His comforting voice is ready to be heard? Be His voice; speak good things to one another, sing praises, offer forgiveness. Be still… Listen… Is He calling to you?