My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 NLT
We have owned four dogs over the last decades. Though we had great affection for all of them (Aslan, Cinna, Spike, and Barkley), in dog world, Barkley was the love of my life. None of the others responded to me the way he did. Aslan was a big dog who spent most of his time outdoors, Cinna and Spike were Shiba Inus who were mostly aloof loners, certainly not lap dogs, though they had the run of the house. After them, Charlie and I had decided on no more dogs. Even though the two weren’t overly affectionate, their deaths were very sad for us, and we decided to just not open our hearts up like that again. Then through a series of circumstances, a little grey and black schnauzer appropriately named Barkley needed a home. He was irresistible and we took him. He became Charlie’s boy right away. When Charlie suddenly died, Barkley grieved deeply, as did I. He sat daily waiting at the front door and then at nighttime lying at the bedroom door, looking for his buddy who never came.
But before too long, Barkley and I began to love each other hard. He obviously began to see me as far more than the lady who petted him and had always filled his food dish and supplied treats. I was rapidly becoming his person. He followed me everywhere. I knew as soon as he heard my car pull in the drive, he would be at the door, tail wagging, ready for me. As soon as I sat in my recliner, he hopped up onto my lap. He might be dozing, but if I said his name in the slightest whisper, he would raise his head and gaze at me. My favorite thing was taking him to the dog park when there were numerous dogs playing together. He wore himself out, enjoying play time. I delighted in watching him play, but the thing that captured my heart was that he always immediately recognized and followed my voice. No matter what was going on, if I called his name or hollered, “Hey!” he knew it was me. He turned and looked in my direction, then came running. It makes my heart full and warm right now, just remembering it.
Can you imagine how Jesus feels when His sheep know His voice and want to stick close? How must His heart fill with joy and pride when our delight is to drop whatever we might be doing to come to Him at His call? John 10 records the loving thoughts of our Shepherd, His chosen picture of Himself, as He describes His care for us. He protects us, provides for us, and leads us. He knows us and knows everything we need. He is committed to giving it all to us. We know His voice. All He asks of His sheep is to not follow a stranger, to only follow Him. Why wouldn’t we?
- Jesus, I want to be a sheep – Your sheep. I know Your voice. I will follow. I know that is where true life is found.