A Singular Voice

Read: John 10:22-30

[Jesus said,] “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

IN WORD

The world has almost always been a noisy place, but now more so than ever. We have access to a multitude of voices every minute of every day—through radio and TV, Internet and social media, and more. The public discussion has grown drastically larger and louder in our time. We’re virtually bombarded with opinions and noise.

Some of these voices are easily recognizable, and we instantly know whether to listen to them or not. Some are more subtle; they blend into the background, come from a distance, or bubble up from questions and confusion in our own minds. Some are nice to us, and others are downright rude. But all of them compete for our attention.

Jesus gave us a profound illustration about shepherds and their sheep. Sheep may hear other shepherds calling out, but they have learned to recognize the voice of the one who guides them. They don’t follow just any shepherd; they follow theirs. They may hear other voices, but they don’t really hear them. They are tuned in to the distinctives of their master’s call. When they hear it, they follow wherever he is leading.

Our goal is to be uniquely tuned in to a singular voice. We can do that because the Shepherd said He knows us—individually. He has taken time to communicate with us, learn our inclinations and characteristics, and appreciate us individually. We are drawn to Him because of that, and His voice resonates more deeply with us than any other. Because He cares for us, we care what He says. We know He’s watching out for us. Our interests are best served by His will.

IN DEED

Ask God to fine-tune your hearing to His voice alone. You’ll hear a multitude of other sounds, but they won’t resonate with you the way His voice will. They are just noise. Let Him draw you into a learning process that will connect you with His heart and open your ears to hear. Know even before you ask that this is possible. In fact, it’s promised. The Shepherd could not possibly leave you in silence. His voice is waiting to be heard.

ADDITIONAL READING: Habakkuk 2:1

There is hardly ever a complete silence in our soul. God is whispering to us well nigh incessantly.

FREDERICK WILLIAM FABER