Jesus says:
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. "
John 10, 27
Through practice and habit we recognize voices. The little babies know the mother’s voice and the mother can hear her child from many others.
I was once in a sheepfold. There, the mothers and the little ones were close together. But every lamb found his mom and every mother took her baby, because they recognized her voice. None has been lost, because the mom looked after her children and if they are in need, the Mama is there quickly.
The sheep recognize their shepherd from afar. We went once for a walk and there were many other people on the way. The road went past a pasture, where the sheep were grazing. Suddenly they all looked spellbound in one direction: There came the shepherd. They knew him from all others.
We Christians can learn to hear the voice of our Lord and learn what is the quiet voice of Jesus and what the enemy whispers to us or what ideas we tell ourselves. We can ask him at every opportunity and wait for an answer. We can learn to recognize the still, small input of the Lord. Sometimes we make mistakes, but that’s what happens when you are learning. He likes it when we are ready to listen to him and will prevent evil. He blesses us, if we want to follow Him.
In the quiet our Lord speaks. There we learn to have a conversation with Him, and then we can do it in everyday life, too. But without silence, it is not really possible. That is why Jesus was late at night or early morning alone to talk with his father.
The Good Shepherd knows his sheep. He pays attention to them, forgetting none and will never abandon them. He has given his life for them, because they are worth to him so much. He simply says, you hear my voice. There’s no "maybe". He speaks so that they hear and understand. And then we have to follow him and not stubbornly go our separate ways again.
Thank you, Jesus! You’re like a good shepherd, who takes good care of his sheep! I want you search the silence and follow you. Thank You for taking care of me in everyday life and leading me. Thank you, my life is important to you; – You are there!
Bible reading today: Luke 21, 1 – 19