My Sheep Hear My Voice
Sheep and shepherds are often used as metaphors in Scripture, probably because there are so many truths to be learned from them. And whether it’s the cute, trusting face of a sheep or the soft curly wool that reflects so many of the surrounding colors, whatever the reason, I love to draw sheep. And when I first saw the reference photo that I eventually used for this drawing, the sheep’s expression of loving trust stood out to me. I wonder what caused it to look at the photographer with those big, expressive eyes? There’s only one answer that makes sense to me. His shepherd just got a new camera, and the sheep heard the familiar voice of the shepherd calling it over to pose for a picture. (And, out of spite, the other sheep are photo-bombing in the background. Sigh…)
“My Sheep Hear My Voice” - Wildlife Whispers - 2024 Colored Pencil on Fabriano Watercolour Paper - by Julia McFarland
Okay, well, maybe that’s not what happened. But to me, it illustrates one of the many truths found in Scripture. A sheep responds to its shepherd’s voice. The verse, spoken by the Good Shepherd Jesus himself, is this one:
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” - John 10:27 (ESV)
Why is that? I can answer that in a single word. Connection. The sheep is connected to its shepherd for an extended time and has learned through experience that its shepherd can be trusted.
The sheep has heard the shepherd’s strong voice yell as he fights off enemies intent on singling out weak members of the flock. It has heard the shepherd’s inviting voice calling and leading the flock to areas where food and water abound. It has heard its shepherd’s calming voice as he binds up festering wounds. And it has found true peace under the shepherd’s watchful gaze as he sings over them while they rest. In short, the shepherd’s voice has become a signal of his presence, which ensures ongoing safety and peace of mind.
In the same way - through connection - I am learning to distinguish my Good Shepherd’s voice from all the other voices around me. The more time I spend connected to Jesus, the clearer that distinction becomes.
How do I connect to Him? By choosing to steer my thoughts toward things above (Colossians 3:2). By choosing to spend time reading and meditating on God’s Word. And by choosing to spend time praying, listening to the Holy Spirit, and worshipping. (My worship playlists on Spotify and YouTube are my favorite “worship at home” go tos.)
In doing so, I’ve learned that loud chaotic voices/thoughts are not His; instead, my Shepherd’s voice is quiet, steady, and peaceful.
I’ve learned that condemning voices/thoughts are not His; instead, my Shepherd’s voice shows me what needs to change, and then He walks patiently with me through the process of change.
I’ve learned that fearful and anxious voices/thoughts are not His; instead, my Shepherd’s voice is calm yet strong, and full of hope.
If you find yourself struggling in the pursuit of connection, let me encourage you by saying the learning process takes time. Yet in the midst of this process, you will hear your Shepherd’s voice encouraging you to not give up, reminding you that you’re not alone, and reminding you that His ways are perfect, His purposes are perfect, and His timing is perfect. And that He loves you so much He chose to die, so that you can live.
I can willingly follow a voice like that. I can surrender to that sort of shepherd. I can endure the process knowing that His voice ultimately leads me home.