Daily Devotions
Today’s Reading: John 10:1-10 & Psalm 23
“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.” John 10:4-5
Why was it that God, the Person of Jesus Christ, chose to take on human flesh? Why did He allow Himself to be born of a woman? Why was He a 12-year-old son, subject to His parents? Why did He become a 30-year-old with no home to call His own? Why? Our Good Shepherd answers, “To go ahead of you.”
A familiar spiritual says, “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen. Nobody knows but Jesus.” Yes, thank God, Jesus knows. He goes ahead of us. Regardless of age, circumstances, or stage in life, He’s been there. He leads so we can follow safely and securely.
To recognize His voice as the voice of our loving Shepherd … to be able to go confidently into life and through life into death and then into Life, because He goes ahead of us—such is the privilege of being His sheep.
Yet privileges carry responsibilities. Our text underlines a most important responsibility—avoiding the stranger. Scripture describes strangers as thieves and robbers, as false prophets, wolves, and false Christs. To avoid strangers, we must continually and increasingly listen for the voice of Him who is our Good Shepherd. How? Through continued-and-increased hearing, study, and sharing of His Word through sermon, class, and private devotion; a continued-and-increased reception of that Word as it takes on visibility at the table of our Good Shepherd. What a privilege, sheep of the Good Shepherd!
Prayer
Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd, grant that we may faithfully follow where You lead, discerning Your voice from all others, so all Your sheep are brought safely home to You in Your kingdom, where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Response
Nobody knows … Ask the Lord to help you find Him there … with you … in that place.