Hearing His Voice #284

[The shepherd] walks ahead of [his flock].

John 10:4

Sheep get confused. They don’t have a strong sense of where they are going, or at least not an accurate one. They may be stubbornly headed in one direction without really understanding what it takes to get there or why they need to go. Sometimes they think they are headed for green pastures, not realizing they are on a dangerous path. They aren’t the most astute animals on the planet.

No wonder Jesus compares us to sheep. He doesn’t mean it as an insult—God gave us quite a bit of intelligence, after all—but our sense of direction is just as unreliable. We depend on our senses to get us where we need to go, yet our senses will not tell us how much danger lies ahead or whether the destination will really be as satisfying as we think it is. We don’t see the whole landscape and certainly can’t account for every “what if” that lies before us. But the Shepherd can. He knows the terrain. Sheep that are independent are destined for danger, but those who trustingly follow Him are destined for safety and pleasant pastures. Like sheep, we need a guide.

When Jesus emphasizes that His sheep can hear His voice, He also gives us this reassuring promise: He goes before us. He is on the path ahead, already aware of what we will encounter tomorrow, next month, next year, and forever. We may listen and wonder if His words will really serve us well, but there’s no need to live with that kind of uncertainty. The Shepherd knows exactly where He is taking us—and where we’ll end up if we don’t follow.

As you tune in to the Shepherd’s voice, know that He has gone before you into this day. He knows the terrain. He has good advice for you if you will listen. He can spare you from wrong turns and frightening dangers. His voice will get you where you need to go.

Jesus, what lies before me on this day? What do I need to know as I go forward? Keep my feet safely on Your path. Guide me to fulfill Your will.