John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
Jesus is talking here to Christians. We shouldn’t expect people who don’t know the Lord to hear His voice of leading in their lives. In order to hear His voice, you must be part of His flock. (If you are confused about knowing what this means please refer to the section ‘Good News’ at the top of this blog.) We shouldn’t judge the world by the same standards that we expect Christians to live by.
There are two groups of people in the world – unsaved sinners and save sinners. We have all sinned, and the judgment for that sin is death. But, praise God, Jesus died on the Cross to pay the penalty for our sins and when we ask Him to forgive us and receive Him into our lives, we become a child of God and enter into this flock that Jesus is talking about. Those of us who have done this, have the responsibility to show others how they can be born again and become part of the family of God.
Now, Christian, you are a part of the flock of God and you should be listening to the voice of the Shepherd and you should be following Him. Every day the Shepherd is walking before you and desiring to lead you. He is the Good Shepherd that wants what is best for you and will protect you from the many attacks approaching from all directions. What a privilege to be able to hear the voice of God directing in your life. God speaks to us and leads us through the reading and meditating on His Word, so make sure your are in His Word daily and seeking this direction.
I love the part of this verse that says, “I know them”. Jesus knows each one of us and cares about us. He desires to lead and protect us.
The question that each one of us must answer is – are you listening and are you following?