The Voice

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”

- John 10:1-5

Recently, I have been reflecting on groups and individuals who denounce historical figures, pointing out sinful ideas they had and actions they committed, suggesting they are not fit to have their image, whether printed or sculpted, in the public arena. While I won’t take a side on these matters, I can say that every person is a sinner and will not hold up under the microscope of twenty-first century scrutiny. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God as the leaders of Israel did and as all human leaders of God’s Church continue to do today.

Ultimately, it is Jesus the Good Shepherd who we need. His voice is different from ours. His actions and motives are pure and unadulterated by sin. We know his voice because it speaks the truth. We know his voice because his words are life to us. We know his voice because the Holy Spirit helps us discern the Good Shepherd’s voice from that of strangers. We know his voice because he calls us by name. We know his voice because the Holy Spirit abides in his sheep.

Spend time in prayer, listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd. Quiet your mind, say nothing, remain in the stillness, discerning the voice of he who calls you by name.

Prayer

O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.