The Shepherd's Voice

"But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers." (John 10:2-5)

When my sister was pregnant I wanted so much for my niece to kick me, but she somehow knew that I was in the room and would immediately pretend to be asleep and stop moving (my sister says it is because I am so loud). She would be mid-somersault in her Mommy's tummy and as soon as I got near to feel her, she would freeze. I would lean near and in a not-so-dulcet tone command, "Lil Baby. Lil Baby. You better wake up and acknowledge your aunt. Lil Baby. Lil Baby." My sister once told me, "if you don't stop talking to her like that she is going to come out hating you."

One day we were playing at Papaw's house crawling on the floor. I was on my hands and knees across the room and to get her attention I once again called out "Lil Baby. Lil Baby. You better get over here and see your aunt. You get over here and see your aunt right now." To my surprise she immediately crawled to me as fast as she could. I scooped her up and hugged her tight and kissed her sweet little face. She will be 18 months old in a few days and she still does it. Out of sight, I can call out to her "Lil baby. Lil baby." and she immediately heads for my voice even when she can't see me. We laugh and say it is like she goes into a trance. She locks in on me and comes to me as if she has no choice. She knows my voice and comes. She knows her special Aunt Alsie name and she answers to it - thrills me every time.

I want to hear the Good Shepherd's voice and respond like this sweet baby with an absolute resolve to come. I know His voice and He knows my name. I want to follow Him immediately and urgently without distraction or hesitation, knowing that what waits to greet me is the love and affection of Holy God. Others call out, but none can satisfy. He alone is worthy. May He be blessed and find delight in my obedience.

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27)