Sheep Know the Voice of their Shepherd
We often hear about Jesus being our Good Shepherd, the one who protects, guides, and laid down His life for the sheep. But have you ever considered the other side of this relationship? If Jesus is the shepherd, that means we are the sheep. So what is our responsibility to the shepherd?
It Begins with Relationship
In John 10:3-4, Jesus reveals something profound: "The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and he leads them out." Notice the emphasis, the sheep don't just know about the shepherd. They know him.
This knowing isn't casual acquaintance. The Hebrew word "yada" and the Greek "ginosko" both speak of intimate, experiential knowledge that deepens over time. It's the same word used to describe the physical intimacy between a husband and wife, that's how personal our relationship with Jesus should be.
Jesus himself defines eternal life this way in John 17:3: "That they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent." Eternal life isn't just about going to heaven when you die, that's the reward. Eternal life is knowing the Father intimately, right here, right now.
This knowing isn't casual acquaintance. The Hebrew word "yada" and the Greek "ginosko" both speak of intimate, experiential knowledge that deepens over time. It's the same word used to describe the physical intimacy between a husband and wife, that's how personal our relationship with Jesus should be.
Jesus himself defines eternal life this way in John 17:3: "That they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent." Eternal life isn't just about going to heaven when you die, that's the reward. Eternal life is knowing the Father intimately, right here, right now.
Recognizing the Stranger's Voice
Here's where it gets practical. Jesus says in John 10:5, "Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him for they do not know the voice of strangers."
A stranger's voice is any message, influence, or impulse that contradicts the truth and nature of Jesus. We're surrounded by these voices every day, through media, culture, relationships, and even our own thoughts.
The key? You don't recognize counterfeits by studying every possible fake. You recognize them by becoming so familiar with the true shepherd that anything else stands out immediately.
But here's our problem: instead of fleeing from stranger's voices, we negotiate with them. We rationalize. We entertain the possibilities. And every moment we spend negotiating with temptation makes us more vulnerable to it.
Practical ways to flee:
A stranger's voice is any message, influence, or impulse that contradicts the truth and nature of Jesus. We're surrounded by these voices every day, through media, culture, relationships, and even our own thoughts.
The key? You don't recognize counterfeits by studying every possible fake. You recognize them by becoming so familiar with the true shepherd that anything else stands out immediately.
But here's our problem: instead of fleeing from stranger's voices, we negotiate with them. We rationalize. We entertain the possibilities. And every moment we spend negotiating with temptation makes us more vulnerable to it.
Practical ways to flee:
- Turn away from voices and teachings that contradict God's Word (remember: God isn't schizophrenic, He won't contradict His written Scripture)
- Close spiritual open doors, what you watch, listen to, and absorb matters
- Leave conversations and environments that dull your sensitivity to the Spirit
- Guard your heart and mind through worship, prayer, and truth
Tuning to the Right Frequency
Sometimes we don't hear God's voice because we're not on the same frequency. It's not that God stopped speaking, we've just stopped listening in the right way.
God communicates spirit-to-spirit, not just mind-to-mind. First Corinthians 2:14 reminds us, "The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned."
How do we tune in?
His voice is confirmed by Scripture, every word harmonizes with His written Word. His voice is verified by His Spirit, Romans 8:16 says the Spirit bears witness with our spirit. His voice is proven by good fruit, look for the evidence of transformation. His voice is cultivated through stillness, Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God."
That last one might be the hardest for us. We're busy, over-committed, stressed, and maxed out. We wear shirts with "Be still" printed on them while running 90 miles an hour from one activity to another. But God's voice often comes as a whisper, and we're too loud to hear it.
God communicates spirit-to-spirit, not just mind-to-mind. First Corinthians 2:14 reminds us, "The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned."
How do we tune in?
His voice is confirmed by Scripture, every word harmonizes with His written Word. His voice is verified by His Spirit, Romans 8:16 says the Spirit bears witness with our spirit. His voice is proven by good fruit, look for the evidence of transformation. His voice is cultivated through stillness, Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God."
That last one might be the hardest for us. We're busy, over-committed, stressed, and maxed out. We wear shirts with "Be still" printed on them while running 90 miles an hour from one activity to another. But God's voice often comes as a whisper, and we're too loud to hear it.
Moving Closer
When your spiritual hearing feels dull, when prayers seem to hit the ceiling, when God feels distant, try this: move closer. Cut out the noise. Be still before Him.
James 4:8 promises, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."
The question isn't whether God is speaking. The question is: Are you close enough to hear what He's saying?
The shepherd's voice isn't a relic of the past. It's still speaking, still giving purpose and direction, still protecting you from your own efforts, and always looking out for what's best for you. But you'll only recognize it by spending time in His presence.
So today, carve out the space. Get quiet. Draw close. Your Good Shepherd is calling your name.
James 4:8 promises, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."
The question isn't whether God is speaking. The question is: Are you close enough to hear what He's saying?
The shepherd's voice isn't a relic of the past. It's still speaking, still giving purpose and direction, still protecting you from your own efforts, and always looking out for what's best for you. But you'll only recognize it by spending time in His presence.
So today, carve out the space. Get quiet. Draw close. Your Good Shepherd is calling your name.