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John 10:4

⁴"When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice."

While walking down the hill on which the Israelites so long ago faced the Philistine army and Goliath, we observed two shepherds, each with his own flock of sheep. The shepherds met and talked for a moment and then went off in different directions. The two flocks had become one large flock, but each shepherd made his own unique call to his flock and the one flock turned back into two. The sheep knew the sound of their shepherd's voice. Neither shepherd stopped to make sure he hadn't lost any sheep. Experience had taught them that their sheep know their voices and that the sheep follow their shepherd.

The shepherds bring their sheep into a pen or safe area for the night. Near a town you may find a large pen in which a number of flocks are kept all together. A shepherd can call out his own sheep from among the others. He spends all his time with them, so he comes to know each one's markings and habits. Each one has a name.

Jesus calls us out from among the gathering of sheep to follow Him. The world is a dangerous place, and we need our Shepherd to keep us from the spiritual wolves and lions that would devour us. He leads us to good pasture and clean water. We have learned that His voice leads us to a good place, so we follow Him.

Consider: Have you learned to know His voice? Have you experienced the goodness of following Him? Do you trust that where He is leading you is for your good because He cares for you? Listen! He's calling your name.