The other day, I had an interesting experience with a voice. I was on one side of a closed door & a close family member was on the other side. Neither of us knew that we were on opposite sides. I knocked & she responded, “In a minute.” I responded, “OK.”When the door opened, we both exclaimed at the same time, “I thought it was you but wasn’t sure. But I really knew it was you.” And we busted out laughing.
How is it that voices can be so distinct? So familiar? Ever notice that in a crowded playground you are able to pick out the voice of your own child?
Scripture tells us a few things about the voice of the Lord….
- His voice thunders (Job 40:9 NIV)
- His voice is powerful (Psalm 29:4 NIV)
- His voice is majestic (Psalm 29:4 NIV)
- His voice breaks the cedars (Psalm 29:5 NIV)
- His voice makes the desert shake (Psalm 29:8 NIV)
- one day those in the grave will hear His voice & come out        (John 5:28 NIV)
God’s voice is distinct & accomplishes His will. Jesus tells the story of the watchman & the sheep in John 10:
“The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name & leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” (John 10: 3-4 NIV).
He knows each of His own & He calls each of us by our name. He leads us where we need to be. He goes ahead of us. But the only way we are going to follow Him is IF we know His voice.
We get to know His voice by listening. Is it any wonder that in       Hebrews 3:7 we are warned, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Our hearts will harden to His voice each time we hear His voice & yet choose instead to do our own thing. To go our own way.
Jesus is our good shepherd. He lays down His life for His sheep. As we listen & heed His voice, He offers to us the benefits of being led by Him & protected by Him.
Be sure to find quiet time each day to spend with Him. Spend time with Him in the pages of His Word. And then lean in to Him. For as you listen, you will hear & recognize His voice. For His own know His voice.
