Modern men cannot comprehend the relationship a shepherd has with his sheep, for they can identify, recognise, discern, decide, and follow their owner. Only the true shepherd, who loves his flock as his own very life, can enjoy this privilege that Christ is proud of about us, His followers: “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep” (Jn 10:14-15). The degree of the knowledge about every sheep is equated with the knowledge of His Father about Him. While He narrates the end time events, He prophesies of the other sheep which haven’t joined His pen, but that would one day become a reality of one flock, under one shepherd: “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd” (Jn 10:16). Hearing and following are the signs of any true believer of Christ, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (Jn 10:27). Let’s cultivate the habit of listening, for that increases the intimacy of our relationship forever.

Abba, thank You for making Your Voice available to us everyday. Let Your Spirit help us listen clearly, and abide by them by following it carefully, in Jesus our Shepherd’s Most Loving Name, Amen.