Hear the Shepherd’s Voice
What does Jesus mean in John 10, when He repeatedly states that His sheep hear His voice? Those who doubt that God converses with His children today, assume that Jesus must have been referring to a future era — after the apostles had recorded His words in Holy Scripture. Although, God’s written word is precious, where in John 10 does Jesus limit His voice to Scripture?
- “The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice” (vv.2-5 NIV).
- “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd” (v. 16).
- “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand” (vv. 27-28).
The word “voice” implies actual conversation, which is precisely what occurs between a shepherd and his flock. Sheep can recognize over 40 different voices, but they respond only to the voice of the one who loves and cares for them. So it is in our relationship with our Good Shepherd.
When Paul says: “pray continually” (1 Thes. 5:17), he is telling us we can converse with God at anytime anywhere. When Shepherd David promises: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (Psalm 32:8), he means that God will reply.
Do you want all the voice of Jesus or only the part you have predetermined is of value? What would happen if, when you prayed, you paused to listen for Jesus’ reply?
Some readers will respond, “Phil, your writings based on John have been stretching me, but now you’ve gone too far. God doesn’t do such things today!” I used to think that too — until God started proving otherwise. To reply to your concerns would require an entire book, and I’ve already written it. It’s called Listen Up! and it does three things.
- It reports my own stories of how God has spoken in a wide variety of ways.
- It invites you to recognize the many times that God has already spoken to you.
- It demonstrates how to listen, test what we hear against Scripture, and respond.
Listen Up! is free. Download it at www.philbickel.com/store/.
This is post #18 in an ongoing dialog about the Gospel of John occurring online at www.philbickel.com, Facebook, and Youtube. You’re invited to join the conversation.
A catalyst for the dialogue is a free 97-page ebook by Phil Bickel, Fullness or Fraction in the Gospel of John, which introduces readers to 10 essential building blocks of life in Christ.