March 25 | John 10:1-21

Beth Voltmann
3 days ago
2 min read

DAILY READING

John 10:1-21

REFLECTION

They Know His Voice

By Beth Voltmann

We are the sheep of God’s pasture. What a serene image that brings to mind - the peaceful and pleasant aspects of a rural countryside scene. Yet, have you ever seen or read about sheep? They aren’t bright animals. In fact, let’s just call it for what it is - they can be downright ignorant.

Sheep blindly follow, frequently wander away, startle easily, and are extremely vulnerable to predators. Recently, I watched a video where a farmer rescued a sheep that was stuck in a narrow water canal. As soon as he set his animal on solid ground, the sheep bounded off, leaping with joy, until it landed right back in the same predicament from which it had been rescued – once again hopelessly stuck and crying out with a bleating heart.

Wow, can I relate! There are days when I am distracted, agitated, worried, wounded, afraid or willfully disobedient. At such times, I am like that sheep. I become frantic and readily fall into a state of panic – easy prey for the thief that “comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” When my bleating heart is pounding with unrest, I can’t hear that familiar voice.

Do you know the voice? Have you heard it? Usually it is more of a knowing than a hearing – a voice that settles deep in the soul and brings a sense of peace and comfort.

“I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:9b)

I know that voice. It belongs to my Shepherd, my Savior, my Lord Jesus.

Be still my bleating heart!

...his sheep follow him because they know his voice. (John 10:4b)

Jesus is calling. If I will just listen and follow his voice, he will make me lie down in green pastures, lead me beside quiet waters, and refresh my soul. (Psalm 23)

Did you notice in today’s passage that some of those who heard the words of Jesus said, “Why listen to him?” (John 10:19)

Why listen? He is our Good Shepherd! He has the words of eternal life! When we follow him, the enemy cannot steal our joy, kill our hope, or destroy our lives. If we listen and follow, we will be kept safe in his loving arms.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me...” (John 10:14)

PRAYER

Lord, it is such a comfort to know that we are your sheep.

We believe, and yet we wander.

Gather us into your arms, comfort us, and guide us.

There is no other shepherd that we want to follow - only you, Lord Jesus.

We will listen for your voice each new day - your voice is life.

Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BETH VOLTMANN

After moving to Ohio in 1997 with my husband and four children, I developed a hunger for God’s Word through adult teaching and women’s Bible study at UALC. My passion is to help others understand Scripture so that they may grow in their desire for more of God and experience the new life offered to us through Christ Jesus.