The Voice of a Shepherd

John 10:1-6 (MSG)
"Let me set this before you as plainly as I can. If a person climbs over or through the fence of a sheep pen instead of going through the gate, you know he's up to no good—a sheep rustler! The shepherd walks right up to the gate. The gatekeeper opens the gate to him and the sheep recognize his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he gets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they are familiar with his voice. They won't follow a stranger's voice but will scatter because they aren't used to the sound of it."
  

Have ever come home to find your house has been broken into and your valuables taken?  When you look around, more than likely you discover a window has been broken or a backdoor torn from its hinges. The intruders entered by tearing down the door or smashing a window. It is certain they did not gain entry by turning the knob on the front door and walking inside, as the rightful owner would.

This story Jesus told His followers was understood by them. Jesus used situations they were familiar with to illustrate His point. His words were meant to show how much He loves His people, how much He protects and provides for them. When we listen to Him and follow His instructions for living, we will thrive.

Just like sheep recognize the voice of the one who cares for them, we too can know that One. We can have a relationship with Jesus who is our Shepherd. This sounds so simple. Shepherds in Jesus' day cared for their flock. They kept them close and when one did stray the shepherd pursued them until they were back in the fold.

This parable is still true today. Jesus is the Shepherd and we can always find Him tending His flock. When trouble comes stalking us and when we lose our way or get caught up in the thicket of life; it is Jesus who is ready to rescue and love us - to pull us back into the fold.

John 10:1-6