Voice of a Savior

27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:27-28)

To be considered one of Jesus' sheep is to have keen hearing and good vision - except in darkness. We, as Jesus' flock, are dependent on Him for guidance and protection. Because of predators, our tendency to get into trouble, and our need to be rescued we appreciate the hooked staff carried by the Shepherd. We would not choose to travel through dark valleys, but as long as we can hear the voice of our Shepherd we will follow - trusting that lush pastures await.

Just as the Lamb became our Good Shepherd, so we are also both sheep and shepherd. As we follow Christ and listen for His voice, others are following us, listening to us. May we listen, may we hear, may we follow faithfully the voice of our Savior so that no one is led astray.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff-- they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long. (Psalm 23)