Tuesday, May 1, 2007
John 10:26-27 "But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice."
MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE
These words were spoken by the Savior in response to a request of some unbelieving Jews: "If You are the Christ, tell us plainly." How could they not know who He was after all the wonderful evidence He had provided? Answer: They were not His sheep. They didn't believe they needed a Shepherd to lay down His life on the cross for their sins. Their attitude was: "I am my own shepherd."
Still there are many who react this way to the Gospel. Countless thousands see no need for a heaven-sent Redeemer to give His life for them. But praise be to God there are many who do. By the grace of God we are among them! The Holy Spirit has blessed us with faith in our Good Shepherd. As sheep of His we're also blessed with a desire to hear Him speak to us.
How does our Shepherd speak to us today? Through the pages of Scripture. When we crack open our Bibles and search His Word, when we hear it preached at church, when we study it in a class, Jesus speaks to us. We love to hear His voice because we know He wants to guide us into green pastures and lead us beside the still waters. We know He yearns to refresh our sin-weary spirits and restore our guilt-burdened souls by assuring us of His forgiving love.
Oh, what blessing to be near Thee And to hearken to Thy voice!
May I ever love and fear Thee That Thy Word may be my choice!
Oft were hardened sinners, Lord, Struck with terror by Thy Word;
But to him who for sin grieveth Comfort sweet and hope it giveth.
