Day 82: God's Sheep

John 10:1-6

Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.

Comments

Still today, shepherds in the Holy Land are likely to have a sheepfold in which several herds are gathered for overnight protection and to give the shepherds a much needed break. When the new day dawns, each shepherd calls his sheep to follow and they do so.

Jesus used this imagery to explain the importance of disciples being able to recognize their master’s voice and follow wherever he leads.

God never intended any church to be rooted in place by its sacred traditions and survival instincts. Every church is to be on mission, recognizing God’s voice and following God’s call.

Reflections

How do you distinguish between God’s voice and your own thoughts and feelings or the influence of friends and family?

To what extent does God speak to you in prayer or when meditating on Scripture? Are there people who help you confirm what God is saying to you?

Prayer

Help me, Lord, to know your voice, follow your call, and trust in your goodness.