The Shepherd's sheep learn to recognize His voice and follow Him.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”John 10:27 (KJV)
What does “Voice” mean in John 10:27?
In Jesus' day, shepherds called their own sheep, and the flock knew their shepherd's voice from others. Jesus says His followers hear and know His voice in the same way.
Going deeper
Jesus says, my sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. Notice the order. They hear, He knows, they follow. Hearing His voice is not reserved for a few spiritual experts. It is the ordinary experience of His flock. Sheep learn a voice by spending time with the shepherd, and we learn Christ's voice the same way, through Scripture, prayer, and staying close to Him.
There are many other voices competing for our attention: fear, advertising, opinion, and our own restless thoughts. Learning to recognize His voice means learning what it sounds like. It is consistent with His word, it is kind though sometimes firm, and it leads toward love and truth. Try setting aside a few minutes in silence today. Read a short passage, and ask what He is saying to you through it. Test what you hear against Scripture, and then follow. He still speaks, and His sheep still listen.
Reflect
What other voices are loudest for you, and how could you tune in to Christ's voice today?
Pray
Good Shepherd, teach me to know Your voice. Quiet the other voices, and give me the courage to follow You. In Jesus' name, amen.
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