[The Glory Unveiled ]
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: [ John 10:27 KJV ]
The Lord Jesus in our anchor text, points us to an intentional relationship between Himself and His followers. He calls these followers His sheep. His choice of “sheep” used to describe His followers means they have some complementary resemblance with the object they are named after. Apart from being calm and peaceful, sheep are able to recognize the voice of their owners and follow them. Perhaps “following” is the most visible mark of a sheep. They have this exceptional ability to follow without complaining or grumbling. They follow as a result of their trust in the one leading them. This was why, in the verse before this verse [verse 26], Jesus compares the Jewish leaders to His sheep and He had this to say “But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.” The true difference was in their beliefs, which necessitated [or otherwise] them to follow. To hear the voice of God means to recognize and understand the instructions of God. The consequences of which is a mark in Him by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) and obtaining favour from Him as He acknowledges us before the Father. The strongest indicator that tells whether someone is the Lord’s sheep or not is whether or not they are following the Lord—the word of God. If a believer permits the word of God to discipline them to conform to the image of Jesus, then they are disciples and the Lord’s sheep. But the one who is not the Lord’s sheep cannot hear the Lord’s voice and as a result cannot follow Him. Their spiritual ears and eyes are cocked, they cannot hear God nor obey Him when He instructs them. But through our acceptance of Jesus and obedience, we are recognized by heaven and we are able to follow the pattern of God laid down for us.
Prayer_Bead: Shepherd of all souls, thank you for marking me in You because I hear your voice and follow you. Help me to be consistent.
Wisdom_Quote: Following Jesus is the identity tracker for His sheep.
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.