My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

John 10:27 (ESV)

One of the most well-established professions in the Old and New Testament times was that of the shepherd. Being a shepherd was a very respectable occupation. Some of the greatest shepherds in Bible history were Jacob, Moses, David, Amos, etc.

In the time of Passover, many shepherds arrived in Jerusalem to corral their sheep in common pens with other sheep belonging to other shepherds. When the time came to take them out, a shepherd was able to call his own sheep from the pen and they would join the shepherd without delay. That is because they knew his voice.

It is worthy to note that shepherds even knew their sheep by name. They cared so much for their sheep even to the point of great peril to themselves. There was nothing a shepherd would not do to find, rescue, and care for their sheep. This was reiterated as Jesus spoke to the Pharisees in the gospel of John chapter 10. Jesus cares even more for us, His sheep.

Jesus knows His people by name just as the shepherd knows their sheep. Jesus knows absolutely everything about us. We forget this sometimes as it can make us feel uncomfortable because we have no secrets from God. We always have an audience of one. There’s nothing off the record. God is aware of everything you think about. Those who are in Christ are like the sheep of the Shepherd’s fold. He cares for His people day by day and wants to help them live this life.

There is good news for all of God’s people. In an age when you face more choices in life than ever before, you can trust the voice of the good shepherd Jesus. Hearing the Shepherd’s voice provides clear, encouraging guidance for knowing, understanding, and acting upon God’s will for you. Not from what this world tells you, but that which are the truths of our Lord Jesus, our true shepherd.

This week, make a commitment to read the Holy Scriptures and focus on hearing the voice of the good shepherd on a regular basis. Make this the most important part of your day. May God bless you as you listen to our good shepherd, Jesus.