My Sheep Hear my Voice
- Robby Stewart
- Feb 15, 2024
- 2 min read
John 10:1-17; 20:11-16
One of the most common questions that I have been asked in my 26 years of ministry is “when do I know God is speaking to me?” For years I tried to answer this question in spiritual and methodical ways. I have quoted Bible verses and even shared my on experiences to try to convey one of the most essential and longed for experiences that every Christian desires and that is to hear from God. Finally, one day it hit me, and the answer is so simple. How do you know God is speaking to you? You just know! You just know it’s Him!
Jesus said, “my sheep hear my voice, and they will not follow to another.” Jesus is teaching His disciples about discipleship. He refers to His followers as sheep who are led by a shepherd. It was a common trade in Israel and one that many of His listeners on this occasion labored in. The shepherd had a unique name for each sheep and when He called a particular sheep by name it had a unique sound to it. This teaches us first and foremost that Christ voice is unique and there is no other like it.
My mentor Bruce Goodwin had lost his sight years before he eventually passed away. Vickie and I would meet him and Nadine at Bojangles for lunch on some days. When I walked up to the table I would say “hey Bruce!” He would respond by saying “hello Robby.” He couldn’t see me, but he knew who I was by the sound of my voice and by the way I called his name. Bruce and I were very close friends. He was my mentor, and our relationship was unique. I think that is the key to understanding Gods voice. We have to be in a close relationship with Him that when He speaks, we know without a shadow of a doubt that’s it is him. Christ voice is unique and there is no other like it!
On resurrection morning the Mary went down to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. When they arrived, they were met by an empty tomb. Mary had become distraught and through her teary eyes she approached a man that she thought was the gardener. She began to ask him if he knew where they had taken the body so that she could go and retrieve it. Finally, one of the most monumental revelations ever given to man or woman was given. She had mistaken him for the gardener until he spoke. He said one word, “Mary.” When Jesus called her name, she knew immediately that it was him. Her response was “Rabboni!” His voice was unique and the way he called her name was unique. “My sheep hear my voice.”
You are unique today! Dear Christian friend you have been given a unique name and when God speaks your name you just know that it is him. There just simply is no other voice like His!
“He that has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying.” Amen!
Pastor Robby
In the years before we moved back to Richmond county, we lived out in the country. Our neighbor had cows. Every few days he would move them from pasture to pasture. I’ll never forget the first time I saw him do this. He rode a four-wheeler. As he approached the gate, those cows would literally line up. Back on the four- wheeler he would lead them to the next gate and or pasture. Had to be one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen, cows walking in a line like school children off to lunch. Thanks Robby and Dale for the memory and reminder that HE is watching over us.
I read Mat.28 this morning for my daily reading, where Mary saw and heard Jesus speaking to her. I work on our farm with my wife, Linda with her herd of cattle that she loves. I see every day she will call to her cows and they come and follow her wherever she goes. I can call all day long and they will not move unless I chase them. I believe God feels our Love for him as he walks and talks with us and to us. I agree with you, you just know, thank for this devotion. Amen.