How to Recognize the Shepherd’s Voice
It is of the utmost importance for sheep to be able to recognize the shepherd’s voice. In fact, if they do not follow the shepherd, it can be life threatening. Knowing whose voice to follow gives them provision as well as protection.
We do not have many shepherds in the area these days (but my daughter is pretty close).
They have many sheep, and lots of new little baby lambs. After watching them with her, I would say that they definitely know her voice.
Show Time
I witness the same thing each year with the girls and their animals. Twice a year, we get to watch two of the girls show animals at local county fairs and state livestock shows.
Since our two oldest granddaughters have gotten involved with FFA, we get to see lots of animal showings. It can be quite impressive to see the animals follow the students around the arena, with a little guidance, and even a little time posing for pictures! 🙂
After lots of time and effort on the girls’ parts, the animals know the voice and mannerisms of the ones who are leading them. However, just like us with our “free will,” sometimes the animals will do their own thing.
I hate to admit it, but it can be quite amusing to see animals lead students (who haven’t worked with them) all around the arena. This happened to my sister way back in our teenage years. I still laugh about it today.
My sister showed several animals throughout high school and did a great job. However, one year she decided to show a steer. My DAD fed it daily, walked it daily, and took great care of it. That steer knew my dad’s voice!
When the local county fair came around, it was time for her to show the steer. He didn’t know her or her voice any more than he knew mine. That steer led her around that arena like she had a ring in her nose! 🐮
I still laugh about it today. In fact, when we go to shows, and I see the same thing happening to another teenager, I always wonder if the animal knows the parent’s voice better than the kid’s!
Scripture about the Shepherd’s Voice
“When He has brought all His own outside, He goes ahead of them. The sheep follow Him because they know His voice.”
John 10:4
Just like sheep, steers, or other animals, we need to recognize THE Shepherd’s Voice. If we don’t recognize It, we can miss out on His best provisions, and we are easy prey for the predator.
How to Recognize the Shepherd’s Voice
Spend time with Him daily – Just like sheep recognize the voice of the one they spend the most time with, we will hear His voice more clearly when we spend time with Him.
Get to know Him intimately:
- In Prayer
- By reading His Word
- Through Worship
- In Thankfulness and Gratitude
- By obeying Him
- When He leads you to do something or go somewhere, follow.
The more time we spend with Him, the more we get to know Him. The closer we get to Him, the more we know His character. All of this builds our trust in Him and helps us recognize the Shepherd’s voice. We can actually hear Him when He speaks to us.
Bible Study Resources
Reflection Scripture
Aren’t you glad we have a Heavenly Father Who loves us enough to lead us? Let’s spend time with Him so we recognize the Shepherd’s voice when He speaks to us. It is for our own good!
Related Posts
Family Christian has a great article, “The Benefit of Spending Time Away with the Father.” It is a very short post, but very good.
Lessons from the Christmas Shepherds
Ezekiel 7:26 and the Privilege of Hearing God’s Voice
How to Choose the Right Bible for Personal Bible Study
Bible Study Ideas
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Until next time,
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“When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.” Psalms 94:19
Such a sweet reminder to remember to spend time with Him daily so we’re always sure to hear His voice and follow in His footsteps. Life can definitely get busy sometimes but He will never steer us wrong! Hugs, CoCo PS: Your grands are the cutest!
Thank you so much!! I hope you and your family are feeling back to normal!
I love the picture of His sheep knowing His voice. With so many voices in the world, we need to spend time with Him so we know when He speaks.
Amen to that!
The story of your sister, your dad, and the steer is such a good analogy. May we know our Shepherd’s voice so well that we are just like that steer – resistant and unyielding to any other voice.
That is a great prayer – “resistant and unyielding to any other voice!” I love that!! Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful post, Susan. Your stories are such a great analogy. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Wendy! Have a wonderful weekend!
Great insights on knowing the Good Shepherd’s voice, Susan.
Thank you Lisa! I love the way He speaks and leads us! Have a wonderful day!!
I am so grateful FFA still exists. And more grateful that another generation is farming and caring for livestock. We have horse people in our family and I am again grateful for the next generation who are tending to God’s creation and blessings.
I learned a few things here.
Thank you!
FFA has been such a blessing for the girls. They are very actively involved and love it!
I still love this post and was blessed to read it again! Truly.