There’s a fascinating narrative in John chapter ten. Jesus was teaching some people using a sheep/shepherd analogy. Verse 27 says this: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

I love that voice. It’s meek but strong. It says things like blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers. It’s a voice that speaks of humility (not supremacy), equality (not racism) and peace (not violence).

I’m so drawn to it.

But sometimes it’s hard to hear. You have to really listen. It’s been called a still, small voice. A whisper even. I think we can take a lesson from Elijah (1 Kings 19:11-13).

^“The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.  When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.”

And sometimes, imposter voices try to sneak into the sheep pen, but the Shepherd’s voice says this in John 10:10~“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

We need to listen carefully. Sometimes the Shepherd’s voice is different than the crowd’s voice.