"Knowing the Voice"

“Knowing the Voice”

When our son Dave was born in 1970 Karen’s family had five living generations. We took a picture in which Great-Great-Grandma Stevens was holding him on her lap flanked by Karen, her mother and her grandmother which appeared in the local newspaper. All except Karen and Dave are now with the Lord. We thank God for this special bit of family history and memories.

Shortly before our wedding Karen’s grandmother (“Tweet”) brought her mother to church. I greeted both of them and since Grandma Stevens was legally blind Tweet whispered, “This is Jim, Karen’s fiancée.” Grandma responded, “Yes, I know his voice.” At the time I was #98 in her line of descendants so it surprised me that she was able to distinguish my voice from those of her many family members and friends.

The human voice is amazing. Each one is unique in tone, pitch, volume and accent as well as in other ways. Without seeing the person we can often identify entertainers (especially singers), political figures, friends and even preachers (perhaps most notably Billy Graham). So our voices along with other factors move us to say with King David, “(Lord), You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit….” (Psalm 139:14, The Message).

Throughout Scripture God often uses the shepherd and sheep metaphor to show His relationship with His people (“The Lord is my shepherd….”—Psalm 23:1; “He tends his flock like a shepherd….”—Isaiah 40:11). This imagery continues with Christ’s ministry. He’s called the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20) and Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). Sheep aren’t driven, they’re led by their shepherd. And they follow “…because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger…because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” (John 10:4-5).

Jesus then likens us as His people to sheep (not particularly complimentary as they’re not known for their intelligence). In responding to the opposition of the religious leaders He said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27). How does He make His voice known to us? Through God’s Word (“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”—Psalm 119:105) and the Holy Spirit (“…He will guide you into all truth.”—John 16:13). And His voice will never conflict with what has already been written (“…Your word is truth.”—John 17:17).

How well do I know God’s voice? And how am I doing in heeding it?

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan