Voices

John 10:1-11

Jesus tells us that he can be heard. Imagine God speaking to you personally! This is the privilege and joy of being one of Christ little lambs. “My sheep,” said Jesus, “hear my voice and another they will not follow.” This is a peculiar trait is among sheep. They are naturally inclined to draw near to the familiar voice of their shepherd and at the same time quick to withdraw from the voice of a stranger. What a lesson we have from our Lord concerning this unique relationship.

First of all Jesus compares himself to one of the most looked down upon trades in Middle Eastern Culture. Shepherds were considered the lowliest and most despised of all the working class in Israel. But yet they were the most necessary because of the need of lambs and rams for sacrifices that insured the forgiveness of God’s people. This identification with the shepherds was special in that Jesus is illustrating his purpose in coming as a meek and lowly savior to seek and save them who are lost. Not only does he identify as a shepherd, but also the lamb of God which would take away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

Secondly, Jesus intimates that love and care that God has for mankind. A lamb was the shepherds most valued commodity. Not only was it his livelihood, but also from a spiritual standpoint he realized the importance of how every little lamb was to the people of Israel. Their whole relationship with God hinged on how well the shepherds took care and guarded their sheep. They were so valuable that at times someone would try to break in and still them away. The shepherd would literally put his life on the line to save one little lamb. This also describes the heart of our Lord. Jesus came to take back everything that the devil (The thief) has stolen, killed, and destroyed in the human race. Jesus laid down his life for the whole world, but also too we can say he died for you and me!

Lastly, it teaches us that the relationship between shepherd and sheep is personal. The sheep hear the voice of their shepherd and they will not hear another. The are many voices that are mentioned in the Bible

• In the beginning God said… (Genesis 1:3)

• The still small voice that spoke to Elijah (1 Kings 19:12)

• The voice of the Lord in Psalms 29

• The voice behind you saying “This is the way, walk you therein.” (Isaiah 30:21)

• The voice of one crying in the wilderness (Isaiah 40:3)

• The voice that was the sound of many waters (Revelation 14:2)

But the voice we strive to hear is the one that the Hebrew writer wrote of:

“Long ago at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken unto us through his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom he also created the world.” Hebrews 1:1,2 ESV

God speaks to us today through the words of Jesus and his apostles who wrote the New Testament. Along with the voice of the Holy Spirit we have communicated unto us the mind and will of God for the purpose of creation and history. But not only is his mind or will intended for humanity as a whole, God wants to communicate his mind and will to you and I personally. He wants to speak to us and communicate his love to us while he prepares you and I to be living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto him, which is our reasonable service.

In a world that is full of voices today, where there seems to be so much uncertainty and lack of direction, seek to hear the voice of Christ in your life everyday. I am sure that if you and I are sincere, we will hear a voice in front of us (not behind, because Christ our shepherd leads, not we his sheep) saying this is the way, walk in it!

God bless and I love you all!

Pastor Robby