Our Scripture reading today is John 10:1-5.
Verse 4, "And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice."
It is very encouraging to know that our Shepherd is leading us each and every day. He provides eternal salvation for us and then gives us His Spirit to go before us. It is up to us to follow Him. I would like to draw our attention to the last part of the verse. The sheep are willing to follow because they know their shepherd's voice. In the common sheepfolds of ancient times, the shepherd would give his distinctive call and the sheep would come to him. The more time the sheep are with their shepherd, the more they know him and especially his voice.
The Bible refers to Jesus Christ as being our good Shepherd in verse 11 of this chapter. "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." Jesus Christ gave His life that we might have eternal life in Heaven. The definition of a good shepherd is giving the ultimate sacrifice: your life.
How well do you know your Shepherd's voice? In a literal sense, we have not heard His voice with our ears, but I am quite sure we have heard it with our spirit. He has something unique for your life and mine. His call for me is not His call for you. We have the great privilege of spending as much time as we allow with our Shepherd in His Word. Get well acquainted with the voice of your Shepherd!