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The Scriptures regularly refer to the people of God as sheep. In our culture, the idea of being sheep is generally frowned upon. People are considered to be sheep if they don’t think think for themselves and simply follow the masses. But the Bible doesn’t always have this view of sheep in mind. Instead, it communicates that God and God alone can be our guide. Without Him, we will wander. Without Him, we will be lost.
We see this theme all throughout the Old Testament: Jacob refers to God as shepherd (Genesis 48:15), and the book of Numbers warns against God’s people being like sheep without a shepherd (Numbers 27:16-17). Psalm 23 even begins with, “The Lord is my shepherd…”
With so many references about sheep and the Shepherd, it’s no surprise that Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Yet, it’s essential to remember that a sheep doesn’t listen to its shepherd one time and then go on living. Instead, a sheep is continually listening for the voice of its shepherd. Day by day, moment by moment, sheep listen for the voice of their Shepherd.
READING & JOURNALING:
In what ways do you pause to hear Jesus’ voice throughout the day?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, there are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of voices I hear every day. And many times it’s difficult to tune out all of those voices so that I’m able to hear Yours more clearly. Today, help me to tune out the voices, worries and fears of the world, so that Your voice and Your voice alone can guide me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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