John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;”
Jesus tells us that those who belong to Him, who listen for Him, will hear Him. They listen so that they can follow. They listen because His Words give life even in the midst of sorrow and loss. His sheep listen like children waiting for a loving Dad to come home from work: ears alert for the familiar squeak of the door, a jingle of keys, footsteps on the floor. They listen with anticipation and joy, ready to welcome their daddy with open arms.
Luke 18:17 “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”
Children approach those who love them without shame, fear, or embarrassment. They don’t calculate their actions or measure their responses. The innocent and loved child runs to receive and express affection…to blurt out everything that has been happening that day. There is no concern over grammar, emotional control, or dignity.
Jesus invites us to Him. We can hear Him if we slow down enough to listen, if we are willing to follow, if we welcome Him. It is when we get so caught up in our schedules, agendas, religious formulas, and pride that we are too closed off to hear His persistent call.
A child hides when he or she is ashamed or afraid. When he or she feels guilty. She may hear and not respond. God keeps calling. His Spirit whispers comfort and invitation. The Father waits with open arms. Jesus shouts, “Come on out ! I’m not angry ! I won’t hurt you. I just want to be with you again !”
Perfect love casts out fear (I John 4:18). Don’t be afraid of what you will hear. God calls to those who are already His and to those who would like to be His.
Just listen.
Psalm 85:8a I will hear what God the Lord will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones;
Around me is confusion. At times it may seem like everything is out of control. I wonder if what I am doing is really making any difference.
I sit still long enough to hear His voice. He is speaking words of comfort and peace to me. I am reminded that the plans He has for me are for my ultimate good. There is a purpose. He knows what He is doing (Jeremiah 29:11).
I am focused on where I am failing. He is pointing out the ways that I am making progress. I see the obstacles. He points me to see the potential that is just ahead. I see where others have failed before me. He shouts with joy that I am about to break through where others pulled back in defeat (Psalm 91:1-5).
God wants me to succeed even more than I want it. He takes pleasure in seeing the enemy defeated by one of His children. He laughs in the face of the enemy as one more child overcomes sorrow, sickness, fear, or discouragement (Psalm 2:4). His kingdom is moving ahead. The kingdom of darkness is losing ground. I carry the light against the darkness when I take another step forward (Psalm 119:105).
Jesus does tell us that the right way is narrow (Matthew 7:13-14). Fear and obstacles may cause us to want to lose heart. Try not to focus on the obstacles. If I treasure God’s Word in my heart, I will find it easier to know His voice (Psalm 119:130-136). He can speak to me and remind me of the path He has prepared for me (Matthew 14:27-32).
Where He has called me, He is sure to go ahead and prepare the way. He reassures me: ”This is the right way, keep walking in it” (Isaiah 30:21). The fruit and joy come as I sow in faith and in perseverance (Psalm 125:5-6). He owns the field where He teaches me to sow and harvest. Just keep following the Master as He labors ahead in the field.
These passages are taken from my book, “Sheep Hear His Voice.”
