John 10:1-10

The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. - John 10:3

We have a small Morkie dog named Skye, but I often call her Peanut because she’s small like a little peanut. When I come home at night and call her to come and she either doesn’t come to me or she comes and barks at me. But when Brenda comes through the door you’d think that she is God to this dog. Brenda doesn’t even have to call her name and the dog is already there at the door greeting her, getting all excited that she’s home, and jumps up and down wanting to be picked up.

There have been times when I’ve called for Skye to come inside from after being let out and she wouldn’t come. I try my fake imitation of Brenda’s voice and she doesn’t budge. Skye knows Brenda’s voice and she is comforted, albeit, excited when she hears it.

Jesus talks about the sheep hearing his voice and knowing him will follow him. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who will do anything for his sheep, unlike thieves and bandits, and strangers who do not care for the sheep.

We hear many voices each day vying for our attention, and begging for our allegiance. The voices we hear don’t really care for us, but rather, want something from us. It usually is in the form of money or commitment on our part to which we have to expend our time and energy. But God who knows our voices cares for us and wants what is good for us. Jesus, God-with-us, tells us, “I came that you may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Let us pray: Lord God, you know us and what is good for us. May we listen with an ear of discernment to hear your Voice above all other voices, as One who loves us and wants what is good for us. Amen.