After reading about sheep a bit, I discovered they do not have a homing instinct like most animals do. Without a shepherd guiding them, they wander around all day, heads down, grazing the pasture, having no idea if they’re about to walk off a cliff. Using this analogy with the sheep is obviously intentional. Jesus doesn’t want us to follow him for his own gain, but he knows that if left on our own, we are likely to wander into dangerous territory.
Another interesting fact about sheep is that they know the sound of their shepherd’s voice. They spend time with him, learning his calls and commands, building a bond and trust in his guidance. When a stranger tries to direct the sheep, they are ignored. What great teachers these little sheep are for us. We, too, should not be fooled by a stranger, aka the thieves and robbers. They claim to be the path to salvation, but in reality, they are leading people astray and claiming their lives. These strangers can take many forms, such as False religion, hobbies that become obsessions like video games, working out, politics, or maybe addictions such as drugs and alcohol. We need to know the Lord’s voice so that we can depend on and trust in him as a guiding light in our lives. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
How much time do you spend with the Lord? In his Word? In prayer? Being still in his presence? Whose voice is guiding you?